news from the General Medical Council

The GMC has produced new guidance which explores how Doctors should deal with a whole range of dilemmas that they face in their clinical practice.

mediation really can save you money!

The Mediation Service provider CEDR has recently published key findings from their bi-annual audit. Data published on the overall economic impact of commercial mediation indicated that by achieving earlier resolution of cases than would otherwise have been the case in litigation, the commercial mediation profession will save business in excess of £1 billion this year.

the increasing value of Dispute Resolution Clauses

Do your terms and conditions of business provide for a contractual dispute resolution clause? If so, this could increasingly be to your advantage in avoiding unnecessary litigation. A well drafted dispute resolution clause in a commercial contract offers obvious advantages: it can provide a swift and certain procedure for settling disputes in a manner agreed by the parties, tailored to suit their needs.

how secure is your data?

The use of secure systems for the management of patient information is a vital issue for all health care providers. Electronic forms of recording information are such that systems failures, poor security and even minor lapses by staff are capable of giving rise to the loss, damage or inappropriate disclosure of significant volumes of highly personal and sensitive data.

how old are your retirement policies?

The average life expectancy of the population of the UK, together with the declining state pension are among the factors contributing to an increased number of people electing to work for a longer period of time, and until they are much older.

the changing face of GP surgeries

GP surgeries are changing. Gone are the days of sitting in the small parlours of terraced houses waiting to see your doctor. Gone are the days of having to drive miles following your doctor’s appointment to get your prescription, or see the nurse, or midwife or dentist.

new register for chemicals

The EU Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (“REACH”) came into force on 1st June 2007 and applies in all EU countries.

site waste management plans

Every year the construction industry in the UK uses 400 million tonnes of solid materials. In addition, it is estimated that something like 13% of materials delivered to site are not even used and just end up in skips. Further, about one-fifth of all fly tipped waste is construction and demolition waste.

getting the measure of mental health for Wales?

In February, Jonathan Morgan A.M. became the first Assembly Member (AM) to formally propose a legislative competence order (LCO) following a ballot of AM’s. The proposed LCO aims to confer further legislative competency on the National Assembly for Wales (“the Assembly”) in the field of Health and Health Services so that an Assembly Measure can be brought forward in relation to Mental Health Services.

work equipment and personal injury – employer liability after Smith v Northamptonshire County Council

The health and safety requirements for the provision and use of work equipment are set out in the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

training sessions

The South & West Wales Supplies Consortium training sessions have recently been announced.