Cautionary Tales

Based on MDU members' calls to our medico-legal helpline, these cases provide a valuable opportunity for shared learning across a wide range of specialties and situations, as well as illustrating how we offer assistance to members when they need it most.

Accidental disclosure of patient information

A GP received a complaint from a patient who'd instructed a solicitor to investigate a possible claim against their employer, following a work related injury.

Coroner's case

A GP was called to a coroner's inquest but was not identified as an 'interested party', and called the MDU for advice.

Death certification of COVID-19 patient

When a patient died at home following a clinical diagnosis of COVID-19, a GP called the MDU with questions about the death certificate.

Disclosure to the DVLA

The MDU helped an ST doctor with questions about the potential fitness to drive of a patient who offered conflicting histories.

Raising concerns about a colleague

After seeing a colleague drinking heavily before returning to work, a trainee wondered if they should raise a concern over risks to patient safety.

GMC investigation over prescribing concern

After being notified about some potential prescription anomalies, the GMC wrote to a hospital consultant, who in turn called on the MDU for advice.

Storing digital images in medical records

A GP needed the MDU's advice with questions surrounding confidentiality and data protection for a remote consultation.

Testamentary capacity advice line dilemma

The MDU helped a consultant after they were approached by a solicitor acting on behalf of an elderly patient, who was making a will.

Whether to stop prescribing off-label drugs

A GP was concerned about the risks of stopping a patient's prescription for sodium valproate, and called the MDU for advice.

Wrong side anaesthetic block

After being involved in an adverse incident, a trainee needed advice on what might happen next and what they should do to make amends.

Litigation privilege

A consultant radiologist member called the MDU advice line to discuss a recent opinion he had been asked to provide for a patient's solicitor in the context of a clinical negligence claim.

Complaint from patient's partner over allegations of abuse

A patient visited her GP, extremely anxious about a forthcoming family court appearance that she was unwilling to attend.