Legal status

 

This website is owned and operated by The Medical Support Union Ltd (hereafter referred to as MSU), which is registered in England No. 08057563. Registered office: 1 Sopwith Crescent, Wickford, Essex, SS11 8YU.

 

MSU is an independent medical support and governance organisation and cooperative provider of medical services described in its memorandum of association including:

 

1. Provision of treatment for disease, disorder or injury by or under the supervision of a medical practitioner.
    

2. Carrying out diagnostic and screening procedures involving: The use of X-rays and other methods in order to examine the body through the use of radiation, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. the use of instruments and equipment which are inserted into the body to:
    

   • view its internal parts; or

   • gather physiological data; and

   • The use of equipment in order to measure and monitor complex physiological characteristics in major organ systems of the body and to examine bodily tissues, fluids and cells for the purposes of obtaining information on—

   • the causes and extent of disease; or

   • the response to a therapeutic intervention.
      

3. The analysis and reporting of the results of the procedures referred to in paragraph 2) above.
    

4. The provision of medical advice in cases where immediate action or attention is needed, triage provided, over the telephone or by electronic mail, and is specifically established for this purpose. Triage meaning the assignment of degrees of urgency to diseases, disorders or injuries in order to decide the order and place of treatment of patients.
    

5. The provision of the services of medical practitioners to work as resident medical officers in independent hospitals.
    

6. The provision of medical defence services to medical practitioners in respect of claims for medical negligence or professional misconduct.
    

7. The provision of medical governance services. As the law stands currently if you work under a contract of employment or are on a performers list within the United Kingdom, your connection to a Designated Body for Appraisal and Revalidation is prescribed to the organisation or business that employs you.

   
   By joining and connecting to MSU as your medical governance organisation and Designated Body you are giving your confirmation that you have understood the conditions above. You are further providing your assurance that you will inform MSU immediately should your status change to that of a doctor on a contract of employment or on a performers list.

   
   Connecting to MSU as a designated body is a formal contract and all members agree in principle, but entirely at their discretion that they may be professionally available to provide some or all of the services described in the memorandum above on behalf of MSU.

   
   Freedom of association between Appraiser and Appraisee is encouraged and supported by MSU within the bounds of GMC guidance. For example, Appraiser Appraisee relationships should continue for a minimum of 3 years to foster continuity. Appraisees can select any MSU approved Appraiser. Your existing Appraiser will need to become a member of MSU if not already. They will need to provide evidence to the RO and governance board of their experience and training for the role. The minimum requirements are that your Appraiser should have been a fully registered doctor for a minimum of 5 years and have completed a MSU approved Appraiser training course.

 

Information governance

 

MSU is registered with the Information Commissioners Office and is fully compliant with its legal duties to protect member’s private information.

 

Members connecting to MSU as their Designated Body agree to the responsible officer being able to provide or receive information at his sole discretion and judgement in matters of concern about their practice or patient safety.

 

Governance and support

 

Governance and support membership provides members with the opportunity to connect to MSU as their Designated Body if appropriate and a range of other member services designed to support members.

 

Investigation and remediation

 

Investigation and Remediation membership cover provides members with NCAS approved case management and investigation cover for a maximum of 30 hours for any single issue. Remediation cover is provided by remedial intervention by MSU trainers or a maximum of £1,000 pound of remedial intervention by an external provider. Members without Investigation and Remediation cover will be liable for the cost of such investigation case management and remedial action.

 

Complaints

 

Any complaint by a member shall be dealt with in line with our complaints policy a copy of which will be made available on request.

 

Cancellation and refund

 

Members may cancel an advanced purchase membership or other subscription at any time. A new advanced purchase membership or subscription may be cancelled and refunded within 14 days. After 14 days a subscription shall continue for its duration and not be refunded.