MDU

12/11/2025

I think my colleague is struggling, what can I do?

“If you feel you can, tell your colleague you’re concerned about them and give them an opportunity to talk.

It’s important to encourage them to seek appropriate help, whether this is from friends, family, their own GP, or other sources of support, depending on what the root cause of the problem is."

Medico-legal adviser Dr Kathryn Leask gives some advice in The BMJ: https://ow.ly/fCVM50X4bJl

05/11/2025

"When faced with confused or incomprehensible speech, it is easy to assume that a person with dementia has lost all interactional competence. We found that this was not the case."

Prof. Rowan Harwood explains how cognitive impairments make communication more complex, and shares his insights on how to talk to patients with dementia: https://ow.ly/oGzO50WUmNH

29/10/2025

Organising a student event and need sponsorship? Your MDU liaison manager can help 🙌

Tell us about your event and request sponsorship here: https://www.themdu.com/for-students/request-sponsorship

23/10/2025

Today we're celebrating 140 years of the MDU.

In that time, we've gone from helping a small group of doctors to counting almost a quarter of a million healthcare professionals as our members.

Healthcare has changed beyond recognition since 1885, but what hasn't changed is our commitment to our members.

Through changing times, pressures, and expectations – we are by your side.

22/10/2025

Medico-legal adviser Dr Sally Old explains GPs’ legal and ethical obligations when they suspect a child is at risk of abuse or neglect.

Read in GPonline.com:

The MDU’s Dr Sally Old explains GPs’ legal and ethical obligations when they suspect a child is at risk of abuse or neglect.

14/10/2025

The Government spends £3.1 billion a year on clinical negligence. That's more than the winter fuel allowance or Government farming subsidies.

This is not due to a decline in patient safety, but an increase in legal costs.

Read what we think needs to change:

As party conference season concludes and MPs and peers return to Westminster, attention will turn to the next major date in the political calendar: 26 November – budget day. In the midst of what will no doubt be ever-increasing levels of speculation about what actions could be taken, two realities...

29/09/2025

Join us for a free webinar on trans healthcare, where we will cover the common medico-legal questions we're asked about this topic.

Register here: https://ow.ly/fqNQ50WTQVP

24/09/2025

When should you suspect sepsis?

We examined members' cases to better understand how to minimise risks: https://ow.ly/Ozex50WI5gV

17/09/2025

Today is , a day created to remember the healthcare workers we’ve lost to su***de.

This day provides an opportunity to honour their lives, acknowledge the challenges faced by those in the profession, and spark change to protect the mental health of healthcare workers today.

10/09/2025

Join our upcoming virtual course to understand how and why conflicts can arise between doctors, patients and their families.

You'll gain the skills to
🔹 Spot the warning signs of conflict
🔹 Understand different perspectives
🔹 Improve your personal approach to managing conflict and building resilience
🔹 Prepare for a mediated meeting

Learn more: https://ow.ly/QuWP50WNstV