This change will have a significant impact on the cost of clinical negligence claims in Ireland. The need for the Government to introduce pre-action protocols and other tort reforms to tackle the already high cost of claims has become all the more urgent.

Interesting @PatKennyNT @NewstalkFM piece on presenteeism in the medical workforce with MPS Medical Director Dr Rob Hendry, @drbosheaGP & @PracthealthInfo & @IrishPsychiatry. More must be done to support doctors to take time off when too unwell to work

These statistics underline the ongoing challenges within the healthcare system & the state of doctors’ mental wellbeing. Healthcare workers should be enabled and supported to take time off when they are too unwell to work - without guilt or stigma

Our survey results published today show that 63% of doctors feel they have no choice but to continue working despite mental wellbeing issues. Thank you to @eilishor for reporting on this important issue in the @Independent_ie

63% of doctors say they have continued to work despite not feeling mentally well enough, due to staff shortages, guilt of adding to colleagues’ workloads & feeling that taking time off for mental wellbeing issues is not deemed “acceptable” Find out more:

The Draft Programme for Govt 2025 has committed to implementing the recommendations of the report of the Interdepartmental Working Group on the rising cost of claims – which include the introduction of pre-action protocols. This is a crucial step forward.

🇮🇪 A lifetime spent practising medicine is unlikely to be error free, but there are steps you can take to reduce risks and prevent clinical incidents. In this article we discuss six common risk areas for new doctors👉 #medicalprotection #irelanddoctors

There are guidelines on the prescribing of valproate medicines to girls and women of child-bearing potential as these can cause birth defects and developmental disorders in children. Stay aware of the latest guidance to safely treat patients ➡️

Are you up to date with the latest guidance on prescribing valproate medicines? We’re seeing an increase in claims and complaints relating to the use of valproate medicines. Read more via the link ➡️

These results explain why the Government needs to secure funding for counselling services for doctors. They need access to confidential, specialist help outside of their place of work, without fear of repercussions from their employers, more information:

Compensation claims and complaints relating to valproate medicines (such as Epilim, Depakote, Episenta and Dyzantil), that can cause birth defects and developmental disorders in children if taken by patients of child-bearing potential, are increasing ⬇️

In our recent survey, almost two thirds (64%) of doctors in Ireland say they are frequently burnt out and exhausted and 1 in 5 (19%) describe their mental wellbeing as “of concern”. To find out more about our survey, visit:

Supporting and developing the medical workforce is key to the delivery of timely and effective care to patients. We call on the Government to ensure that healthcare professionals are properly resourced & the workforce is sustainable for the future:

Modern medicine allows doctors to do more for than ever before, yet mounting evidence shows that more feel stressed, burnt out and unable to cope. The Government must work to implement proactive, independent wellbeing support:

Doctors expect to be accountable for the healthcare they provide, however they have a right to expect that accountability is fair, proportionate, efficient, and sensitively handled. We call on the Government to action reforms to regulatory processes:

Ireland is an outlier when it comes to clinical negligence processes with costly and protracted claims which take a huge toll on those involved. We call on the Government to prioritise tort reforms to mitigate the impact of the current processes:

We look forward to working with the new Government of Ireland to address critical issues affecting healthcare professionals. Our government priorities paper outlines policy change, across reform, accountability, wellbeing & workforce. Read more:

🇮🇪 We provide much more than expert legal support. Your Medical Protection Society membership means you also have access to important wellbeing services and counselling during investigations, inquests, and more. 👉 #medicalprotection #irishdoctors