With healthcare professionals’ personal and financial wellbeing being significantly impacted by the spread of COVID-19, Medical Protection Society has announced that members who have experienced a drop in their private practice income will receive the equivalent of two months membership for free.
This support is being provided to all those working in the private sector who remain in membership during this period. These members will automatically receive a payment that is equivalent to two months’ subscription in recognition of the extraordinary situation we are in. MPS will also monitor the situation in the coming months and actively review ways to support members.
In a letter being sent to members, MPS has confirmed that members who are going to cease practice will have the option to become a deferred member, and those who reduce their private practice can also make changes to their membership to reflect their current working arrangements.
As well as supporting members with their financial wellbeing, MPS has announced that it has extended its counselling service for those experiencing work-related stress. This service is provided through a third-party partner and is completely confidential.
Medical Protection members can call ICAS now on 0800 999 050 and quote their Medical Protection membership number to book a free session. Details of our counselling service can be found here.
MPS membership provides a range of benefits including the right to request indemnity for complaints or claims arising from professional practice.
Simon Kayll, CEO of the Medical Protection Society, said:
“COVID-19 is causing significant worry and concern for healthcare professionals – for their health, well-being and finances – at a time when they need to be able to focus on treating patients and looking after themselves.
“As a mutual organisation, our purpose is to be there for members in times of difficulty and there has never been a more important time to step in and provide the assistance that doctors and dentists need.
“We are sharing our intent to help in this way now so that the cost of subscriptions is one less thing for members to be concerned about.
“Although we are still finalising the process for issuing these payments, we expect members to start receiving subscription relief payments within the next 4-6 weeks. Members do not need to contact us about their subscription relief payment, we will write soon to confirm next steps.
He added: “We will continue to monitor the situation in the coming weeks and months and continue to actively review ways we can support members.”
Issued by MPS