With patient expectations of doctors growing, it is imperative that you maintain your professionalism at all times, says Dr Graham Howarth, MPS’s Head of Medical Services

Nolonwabo Moyakhe has won the 2014 Ethics Alive MPS Undergraduate Bioethics Essay Competition with her essay on “Exploring the right to quality healthcare in South Africa”.

Dr Graham Howarth, Head of Medical Services in Africa at the Medical Protection Society takes you step-by-step through the process of dealing with a clinical negligence claim.

Dr Graham Howarth offers some practical tips if you receive a complaint from the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Delivery of clinical care via telephone is becoming more common but the practice carries unique risks to both doctor and patient, says Charlotte Hudson.

Dr Graham Howarth, Head of Medical Services (Africa), examines the concept of care in relation to the ethical, legal and moral hazards of everyday practice.

Three MPS Ethics events will tackle the sharp increase in the cost of clinical negligence claims in South Africa in recent years.

Ahead of MPS’s annual Ethics 4 All events in December 2013, Dr Graham Howarth looks at the key components that make up a professional’s ethical framework.

Dr Graham Howarth considers where there may be some grey areas in the matter of obtaining consent when treating minors.

From 1 October 2013, MPS is changing its membership rules for healthcare professionals who conduct fetal ultrasound scans. Members need to ensure that they are in the correct membership category if fetal scanning forms part of their professional practice.

Dr Graham Howarth looks at how understanding the reasons behind challenging interactions with patients can help improve outcomes.

Dr Graham Howarth, MPS Head of Medical Services (Africa), considers how vicarious liability relates to your risk, the circumstances in which it may arise and what you can do to reduce the risks.

Following a significant increase in medical negligence claims and complaints, an MPS survey of nearly 700 South African private GPs has found that 58% are practising defensively.

MPS’s Sara Williams explores unprofessional practice in the July edition of the Medical Chronicle.

We outline the steps doctors can take to ensure they have comprehensive protection in place should anything go wrong.