The new GP indemnity scheme, called the Clinical Negligence Scheme for General Practice (CNSGP), went live on 1 April 2019.
The scheme covers all clinical negligence claims for compensation arising from NHS services provided by general practice in England. This means that, as of 1 April, all those working in general practice will be automatically covered. This comprises everyone working in general practice who is carrying out activities in connection with the provision of NHS services; from reception staff to pharmacists, and the cover is automatic, with no payments required.
NHS resolution will now handle all claims made by a patient in relation to treatment given on or after the date of 1 April.
It is a hugely significant scheme and is being run by NHS Resolution, who worked closely with colleagues from the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England, the British Medical Association and the Royal Colleges to establish scheme rules and scope.
The scheme will be centrally funded and no additional payments required, yet cover will be unlimited and comprehensive in its nature.
A claims helpline is now in operation 7 days a week, 365 days a year, for the reporting of incidents since 1 April 2019 which may lead to a claim, and this is supported by a suite of materials available on the NHS Resolution website.
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