Medical Indemnity

*Please note that the content of this guide does not constitute legal advice. If further clarity is needed, we recommend speaking to a medical defence organisation or equivalent professional for more information*

What is Clinical Negligence?

When a healthcare professional causes physical or mental harm because of the poor standard of care. Within the NHS this usually involves wrong and/or substandard care, diagnosis, or treatment. 

What is Medical indemnity?
Indemnity is security or protection against a loss or other financial burden. Medical indemnity is used to protect consultants/clinicians during the claims process which includes any costs and defence fees associated with the claim.

Overview

In April 2019, a new state indemnity scheme was introduced for general practice in England: Clinical Negligence Scheme for General Practice (CNSGP). The CNSGP provides comprehensive indemnity for all claims within its scope, removing the need for GPs and practice staff to arrange individual clinical negligence cover. All NHS Trusts and Health Boards in England are members of the CNSGP.

When working as a nurse, midwife or nursing associate it is necessary to have an appropriate indemnity arrangement in place when working in the UK. This is also a revalidation requirement. 

If you are working for the NHS:

• You are covered by the CNSGP regardless if your working status (i.e salaried, self-employed, etc)

If you are working outside the NHS e.g private, agency worker, etc:

• The NMC recommends having an indemnity arrangement in place. This can be through the MDU/MDDUS or the RCN
  •  If you are a member of the RCN, their indemnity may cover you against the financial consequences of a clinical negligence claim. Generally, the scheme should cover the following groups of members: 

• Self-employed (non-NHS)
• Agency or bank workers (non-contracted employment)
• Volunteers 
• Those acting as a Good Samaritan

If you are working a combination of both NHS work and non-NHS work (or more than one employer)

• You’ll need appropriate indemnity for each area of your practice where the CNSGP does not cover you.

A medical indemnity is not a requirement on Lantum and it will not prevent you from applying for sessions. However, if you do upload a medical indemnity to your Lantum account, please make sure it states:

• your name
• start date and expiry date - dated within the last 12 months

Please see example: