Medical indemnity

NES is part of the Clinical Negligence and Other Risks Indemnity Scheme (CNORIS). As an employee of NES, trainee indemnity will be provided by Clinical Negligence and Other Risks Indemnity (CNORIS). However, there are other professional activities which may not be covered by CNORIS.   Trainees are covered by NHS indemnity for clinical negligence claims arising from their work as a GPST. However, many Trainees will not realise that there are situations where this does not apply, so they need to make sure they have additional protection. NHS indemnity will only cover the financial consequences of a claim for clinical negligence whilst they are working as a GPST. It will not protect them from some of the other professional issues they may face.

For example, NHS indemnity does not provide advice and representation for regulatory council (GMC) inquiries arising from health, performance and professional conduct assistance through employers' disciplinary proceedings or for legal representation for police investigation of potential criminal charges arising from their clinical practice. Trainees must maintain membership of a recognised Medical Defence Organisation or Insurer for these purposes. Trainees are required to produce evidence to NES (via the Practice) in the form of original documents of such full Medical Defence Organisation or Insurer cover before commencing duties. It is the responsibility of each individual trainee to supply this information and NES will not issue reminders on an ongoing basis. The contract is clear that having adequate cover is of the upmost importance to each GP Trainee personally.

If Trainees require advice about applying for additional cover, they may wish to contact BMA in the first instance.      

(a) Other Professional Activities    

With the agreement of NES and your trainer/educational supervisor, trainees may arrange to undertake any duties or professional activities outside those of the practice whether remunerated or not. Agreement will not be unreasonably withheld.  Any medical duties or appointments outside the practice area must not compete with the trainer/educational supervisor's practice or impinge on their contracted duties with NES, or upon their GP specialty training.  This applies equally whether such duties are remunerated or not. Consent does not imply any responsibility by NES and the partners for trainee acts and omissions in the course of such activities.  Trainees are advised to ensure that their membership of a recognised medical defence organisation is commensurate with these activities.

(b) Good Samaritan and Good Neighbour Acts

From time to time a doctor may be involved in what is known as a 'Good Samaritan/Good Neighbour act. This describes a situation where a registered doctor comes to the aid of someone in an emergency situation outside their normal practice (e.g. where a doctor happens to be at the scene of a road traffic accident), or may undertake planned voluntary work (such as helping out, in a professional capacity, at a local sports club). Trainees should ensure that their additional indemnity covers them for such acts.