The RCN indemnity scheme may cover you against the financial consequences of a claim against you for clinical negligence.
Generally, the RCN scheme could cover the following groups of members:
However, it is very important that you check the terms and conditions as outlined in our comprehensive terms and conditions document.
There’s no need to pay anything extra. RCN indemnity is included in your membership fee, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
Some of our frequently asked questions about RCN indemnity.
Below you can listen to a short podcast from Roz Hooper, the RCN’s Head of Legal Services (Regulatory), talking about the recent changes to indemnity arrangements in General Practice.
From 1 April, all nursing staff working in GP practices or providing GP services to NHS patients in England and Wales will automatically be included in the schemes. Nursing staff don’t need to make payments towards the scheme or register.
Some GP practices provide services that are non-NHS funded. Alternative cover will be required for the provision of these services (nb. the RCN has made special arrangements within its indemnity scheme for paid-for travel vaccinations in General Practice settings - see this news story for more).
The RCN has been hearing from nurse members and non-members that their GP employers have told them that they will no longer be purchasing indemnity cover from their medical defence organisations (MDOs - like the MDU and MPS). As a result, the MDO will no longer provide them with support for their other legal issues like employment advice, NMC referrals, inquests and many other potential legal issues.
All members of the RCN remain covered for this type of legal help, irrespective of whether the new state-backed indemnity scheme applies to them. Members of the RCN will also have indemnity for their self-employed practice, their voluntary and their Good Samaritan work (subject to the usual terms and conditions).
Now that the RCN indemnity scheme has been extended to cover paid-for travel vaccinations (see this news story), most members employed in General Practice settings will find that all their professional needs are met by their RCN membership.
The RCN will provide new members with those benefits, too. So even if the state-backed scheme applies to your work, we’re still here to help. Join the RCN today.
As an RCN member, you can find answers to your questions about work - and more - in our comprehensive advice. You can also find out how to contact the advice team.