Ward Round, a brand new journal for foundation year doctors, has been launched by the Medical Defence Union (MDU), the UK's leading medical defence organisation. Ward Round, will be published twice-yearly and sent to the MDU's F1 and F2 members.

The first issue* focuses on what F1 and F2 doctors need to know about patient capacity and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. MDU solicitor, Ian Barker, looks at a number of scenarios and explains how the law will work in practice.  

Dr Sally Old, MDU medico-legal adviser and medical editor, said: "Newly qualified doctors will inevitably confront situations where a patient's capacity to consent to treatment may be in question and it is important that they understand their ethical and legal obligations. We hope Ward Round will quickly become an essential guide to these kinds of issues for F1 and F2 doctors as they begin their careers."

Elsewhere in Ward Round, Olivier Picard of ISC Medical, an interview skills training company for doctors, provides advice for doctors preparing to apply to specialist training positions.

Reference
* Ward Round, December 2008, Issue 1, Volume 1

The MDU is a mutual, not for profit, organisation owned by our members who include over 50 per cent of the UK's hospital doctors and GPs. Established in 1885, we were the world's first medical defence organisation. We defend the professional reputations of our members when their clinical performance is called into question. Our benefits of membership include insurance for claims of clinical negligence and a wide range of medico-legal advisory services.

The MDU