The history
From 1st April 2019 NHS Resolution started operating a new state-backed indemnity scheme for general practice in England called the Clinical Negligence Scheme for General Practice (CNSGP).
The website describes what is and isn't covered.
It appeared at the time from enquiries to different medical defence organisations that the private travel vaccines weren't covered. HOWEVER IT SEEMS THIS TURNS OUT NOT TO BE TRUE!
NHS Resolution have now posted a document dated MAY 2019 called the Scheme Scope document or found directly here. It's a very useful document so please read.
It says Travel vaccinations are covered by the CNSGP as long as these vaccinations are delivered under a GMS/PMS/APMS contract or under a sub-contract for the GMS/PMS/APMS services. In practice, most travel vaccinations will be provided by general practice under a GMS/PMS/APMS contract. The costs of some are reimbursed to the GP practice in the usual manner under the GP contract terms but the costs of some travel vaccinations may not be reimbursable under the contract. For such vaccinations, legislation permits general practice to charge patients directly. This is still an NHS charge and an NHS service so is covered by the CNSGP.
I think the reference to link to this would be Schedule 5 of the GMS contract from 2004 where it says 'The contractor may demand or accept a fee or other remuneration' then look at section
(g) which says 'for treatment consisting of an immunisation for which no remuneration is payable by the Primary Care Trust and which is requested in connection with travel abroad'.
This new Scheme Scope document doesn't mention malaria chemoprophylaxis but again in the Schedule 5 as above, if you look at section (l) it says 'for prescribing or providing drugs or medicines for malaria chemoprophylaxis'.
What I would say is this has been extremely confusing but I hope this is resolved now! I've left the rest of the original blog below for information but it's still important you check out you have insurance for your nursing activities outside your NHS care as described on the NHS Resolution website - linked above!
I am currently covered for my work in a GP practice by their group practice policy (because there are a number of GPs using it, the organisation provide additional cover for their practice nurses at no extra cost), BUT making enquiries to this company I was informed that because of the new NHS scheme and that the premiums paid by GPs will be lower, there will be a charge for nurses to be added on to an indemnity policy in the future. I was told this was approximately £525 if working up to 24 hours a week and £695 if working up to 40 hours per week. I understand that this will happen when your policy is due up.
Some years ago now the RCN stopped providing indemnity to practice nurses employed by GPs. I remained in the RCN though, not only for the professional side, but their indemnity covered me for my self employed work, and other voluntary roles - see the RCN scheme. The information on their website is very helpful about this new development - see here. Interesting to read on there that “The RCN has heard from members and non-members alike that some GP employers have told them that they will no longer be purchasing indemnity cover from their medical defence organisations (MDOs). 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 - please go to the article to read more.
My understanding is that the principles around vicarious liability for employees remain unchanged. It is not appropriate for a GP employer to try to shift that responsibility onto their employees, so if you're employed in a GP practice you should not be required to purchase your own cover because of these changes. Your employer should take responsibility for professional indemnity cover. You will need this in addition to the Clinical Negligence Scheme for General Practice
