Eighty per cent of surgeons lack sufficient insurance cover: CBS

As reported by Aesthetic Medicine in the UK, a recent revelation by the Confederation of British Surgery (CBS) has exposed a startling truth: up to 80 per cent of surgeons are operating without adequate insurance coverage, leaving patients vulnerable and prompting urgent calls for system reform. While the General Medical Council (GMC) mandates doctors to have insurance, many surgeons remain unaware that their NHS indemnity does not extend to locum work, private practice, or certain acts like ‘Good Samaritan’ interventions. Consequently, patients could potentially face dire consequences, as claims might result in legal battles without adequate financial coverage from practitioners.

The reliance of most surgeons on medical defence organisations (MDO) for insurance amplifies the impact on patient safety. The CBS is advocating for a shift from discretionary to contractual cover, subject to financial oversight, to ensure transparency and compliance with specified terms. Reportedly, Mark Henley, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and President of CBS, has emphasised the urgent need for change, stating that this insurance gap poses risks not just to practitioners but also to patients, leading to protracted legal conflicts. The imperative call for comprehensive reform aims to rectify this perilous situation affecting both financial stability and the well-being of patients and surgeons alike.