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A gentler attitude to gripes in pandemic

First published in Independent Practitioner Today in November 2020 How will the GMC deal with complaints about your practice during the pandemic? Solicitor and doctor Tania Francis examines the latest guidance. The GMC issues guidance to its decision makers which they should follow when making decisions about how complaints about doctors should… Read More

The Cumberlege Review – our safety cultures need a fix

First published in Independent Practitioner Today in October 2020 Two recommendations could lead to far more information being published about individual practitioners’ areas of clinical accreditation and financial interests. Michael Rourke reports. Independent medicines and medical devices’ safety were examined in a report First Do No Harm in July by… Read More

Beware of becoming a cartel

First published in Independent Practitioner Today in September 2020 In the wake of Spire’s £1.2m fine by the Competition and Markets Authority, Michael Rourke draws attention to the competition law implications for independent practitioners. A recent significant fine levied by the Competition and Markets Authority brings the need to avoid anti-competitive practices… Read More

Making probationary periods work for you

First published in Independent Practitioner Today in August 2020 Are you getting maximum benefit from probationary periods for new staff? Julia Gray examines the purpose and operation of probation and suggests how it can work most effectively in independent practice. The purpose of a probationary period is to provide an… Read More

10 legal issues arising from COVID-19 for private practitioners

First published in Independent Practitioner Today in June 2020 Every sector of the economy in the UK and abroad is facing unprecedented challenges arising out of the current Covid-19 pandemic; the private healthcare sector is no exception. We have considered some of the legal issues that you may be facing… Read More

Private practice practising privileges – What to do when problems arise

First published in Independent Practitioner Today in May 2020 Most doctors who have a private practice will have an arrangement agreed with a private service provider, commonly a large organisation which operates a number of private health facilities. That service provider allows the individual doctor to have practising privileges at… Read More

Facing the consequences of not having an LLP agreement

Justin Cumberlege, partner in Hempsons healthcare team, explains why an LLP agreement is essential. First published in Independent Practitioner Today April 2020 As an individual doctor, your assets (including your house) are at risk if a claim is made against you. Some risks are not covered by insurance, such as… Read More

Navigating the ins and outs of starting a new Business

Navigating the ins and outs of starting a new medical business can trip up the unwary doctor. Michael Rourke shows what to watch out for at the very start First published in Independent Practitioner Today March 2020 In every walk of life and in every profession the last 20 years have… Read More

What contract to use when taking on staff

Are you considering taking on staff, but unsure about the basis on which to engage them? Should you opt for a free-lancer, or offer an employment contract? This article addresses the most common questions about employment status, with particular focus on the risks and benefits of self-employment. First published in… Read More