We help fill the gaps left by NHS indemnity

Whether you’re a specialty trainee, SAS doctor or on your FY3, you can count on our support as your defence organisation if your clinical competence or patient care is questioned.

As we're run and staffed by doctors, we know the impact a complaint, claim or GMC investigation can have on your career, personal life and health. We’re here to champion your interests and offer peer-to-peer support.

We can also fill the gaps left by NHS indemnity and provide resources to support your development and help you practise more safely.

Get a quote or apply

Why you should choose the MDU

  • Support and representation for professional challenges not covered by NHS indemnity, including disciplinary proceedings, GMC investigations, coroners’ inquests/FAIs and criminal investigations relating to your clinical practice.

  • Indemnity for work that falls outside your NHS contractual duties, including private practice work, fee-paying services and good Samaritan acts.

  • Expert advice from our 24-hour medico-legal helpline.

  • Press office support in the event of unwanted media attention.

  • Risk management advice and resources to support your professional development, such as webinars, courses and e-learning.

  • Help dealing with and responding to patient complaints.

  • A local MDU liaison manager, who can answer your membership questions, provide free group seminars on medico-legal hot topics, and offer support for local events.

Two steps to becoming a member

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Get a quote

Request a quote first to find out how much your subscription will be. Within a few working days, we’ll email you an application pack, including your quote.

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Complete your application

Once you’re happy to proceed, you'll need to complete an application form.

Find out more about membership

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Frequently asked questions

MDU webinars

Expand your medico-legal knowledge with webinars led by MDU doctors.

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Guidance and advice

How to respond to a complaint

Doctors' health and wellbeing: sources of support

Signing death certificates and cremation forms

"Help! I'm being sued!" What to expect when you receive a claim

Supporting colleagues and managing conflict

More articles...

Find your local liaison manager

Liaison managers UK-wide

On hand to support you throughout your career and answer your membership questions.

Find your local liaison manager

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      We’re focused on protecting your career and reputation

      gable

      Defend

      Over the last 10 years, we successfully defended over 80% of medical claims, making no compensation payments.

      GMC investigation

      Cases

      77% of MDU cases closed in 2022 had no adverse findings by the GMC.

      support hands

      Support

      98.3% of calls to the MDU medico-legal helpline are connected straight to a medico-legal adviser during normal working hours

      Our impact

      Our doctors-for-doctors ethos inspires us to go the extra mile for our members, and our track record speaks for itself.

      As well as maintaining high standards for individual members, the MDU has a wider remit to campaign across a range of issues that affect the profession, whether this is engaging with regulators, or trying to shape legislation that will impact our members’ working lives.

      Find out more