How to respond
What do you do if you receive correspondence from a patient's solicitor that suggests a claim may be made or asks for disclosure of records?
Naturally you may feel anxious but you should not panic. More than 95% of claims notified to the MDU are resolved without the need for trial.
Act quickly
If you are unfortunate enough to receive a hint of a claim, you need to let us know immediately so that there is enough time to prepare any defence. If we do not meet the timetables, the court can impose penalties and judgment may be entered against you.
You should acknowledge receipt of the correspondence but you should not supply medical records or try to explain your actions without first contacting the MDU. We are here to help you.
As soon as possible you should send the MDU:
- A copy of the letter or standard form you have received from the claimant's solicitor
- A brief, personally signed note instructing us to assist you
- A note of the address you would like us to use for future correspondence
- The records (including a printout of all computer-held records); either the originals, by recorded delivery, or clear and complete photocopies
- A report of your own role, with the full name and contact details of any other doctor who may be vulnerable to the allegations
Document Checklist
You may find it useful to download and print our Acrobat PDF format document checklist when sending these to us (you will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader® on your PC).
We also ask you to contact the MDU regarding any incident that might give rise to a claim or complaint in the future. Then we can help you to write an account of your own role when the events are fresh in your mind. This can be an invaluable document.
- The claims process
- How to respond
- How we can help
