Medical Defence Shield
Professional support, without compromise
Peace of mind for medical professionals in the UK
At Medical Defence Shield, we offer a unique service providing medical defence protection and employment support under a single umbrella.
Our comprehensive plan ensures you are provided with support and advice when you need it, with just one phone call. The MDS team consists of medicolegal specialists, employment law experts and legal advisors who are here to protect and defend you when you need it most.
94.5%
satisfaction rate with the outcome of their case
99%
of all enquires answered in one working day
5/6
of GMC cases closed without further action
86%
of our new members joined on recommendation
“I always recommend all my colleagues to move to MDS membership. One of my paediatric colleagues at Northwick park has changed from XXX to MDS on my feedback and suggestion. Very prompt with advice, supportive and professional.”
– Consultant in Obstetrics
“Excellent work, best professional and timely advice given. I had the best advice and support through this very long, distressing and partly unfair process but I am happy to have the best team to support me. Thank you all for your good work.”
– Speciality Doctor for Care of the Elderly (Geriatrics)
Our Team
The MDS multi-disciplinary team comprises of legal professionals, employment advisors and medicolegal experts led by our Medical Director and supported by case managers and the membership team. Each member of our team is carefully chosen for their experience and bring a wealth of expertise gained over decades of experience of working in the healthcare settings.
Our advisors use their considerable skills in negotiating difficult scenarios expertly and are experienced in dealing with issues relating to medical professionals from varied ethnic backgrounds.
Frequently asked questions
You must make sure that you have adequate and appropriate insurance or indemnity arrangements in place, covering the full scope of your medical practice in the UK.
If you work for an NHS Trust or Board, indemnity is provided through the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (CNST) in England.
If you carry out any private or independent practice, you must arrange adequate and appropriate insurance or indemnity (even if this work takes place on NHS or HSC body premises). This applies even if the work is in addition to work you do for an NHS or HSC body. If you are treating NHS patients privately, you must check with your NHS or HSC body employer to confirm that indemnity is in place.
For GPs working in England and Wales, this is included in your normal NHS contracts of employment. For Locum GPs in Wales, you must be registered on the All Wales Locum Register (AWLR). CNSGP scheme is valid only for GPs in England and Wales. For Scotland, you must ensure you are covered under CNORIS.
You will still need to maintain membership with a medical defence body (MDO) and trade union to cover services such as patient complaints, regulatory (GMC) and disciplinary proceedings, employment and contractual disputes.
For more information on the Clinical Negligence Scheme for NHS Trusts and General Practice, refer to the latest GMC guidelines here.
Get in touch
If you require a quote or have a query, please submit your request using this form.
For indicative rates and to join online, see: mdsuk.org/membership-types/