1. Purpose

This policy explains how MedPlus works with associate clinicians (also referred to as self-employed/subcontracted practitioners) and the standards we apply to ensure safe, high-quality care.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all clinicians and practitioners who deliver services through MedPlus, whether they are:

employed by MedPlus, or

engaged as associate clinicians on a self-employed/subcontracted basis.

3. Definition

Associate clinicians are self-employed/subcontracted practitioners who provide services through MedPlus. They are not employees of MedPlus, but they work under our clinical governance framework and are expected to meet the same standards of safe practice, consent, and professionalism.

4. Our clinical governance commitment

MedPlus is committed to patient safety and quality. Regardless of employment status, all clinicians delivering services through MedPlus are required to:

practise safely and within their scope of competence

follow MedPlus policies and procedures (including consent, infection control, safeguarding, record keeping and incident reporting)

maintain professional standards and act in line with their regulatory code (where applicable).

5. Pre-engagement checks and onboarding

Before an associate clinician can provide services through MedPlus, we take reasonable steps to confirm they have the appropriate credentials and safeguards in place. This includes checks such as:

Professional registration (where applicable, e.g., NMC/HCPC/GMC/GDC) and status verification

Identity verification and right to work in the UK

Evidence of relevant training, competence and experience for the treatments/services offered

Agreement to work within defined scope of practice and clinic protocols

DBS checks where appropriate to the role and nature of services delivered

Understanding of and agreement to follow MedPlus standards for:

informed consent and capacity

record keeping and documentation

infection prevention and control

medicines management where relevant

safeguarding (children and adults)

information governance and confidentiality

incident reporting and duty of candour

Professional indemnity and accountability
All associate clinicians must hold current, appropriate professional indemnity insurance that specifically covers the treatments/services they provide through MedPlus.

Associate clinicians remain professionally accountable for the care they personally deliver and are responsible for practising within their scope of competence, in line with their regulator’s standards (where applicable). Where a concern relates to the clinical delivery of a procedure (including complications or allegations of poor practice), the treating clinician’s professional indemnity will ordinarily be the policy that responds.

MedPlus remains responsible for clinical governance, including verifying appropriate registration (where applicable), training/competence, scope of practice, right to work, and evidence of suitable insurance, as well as investigating concerns, managing incidents, and taking any necessary action to protect patient safety.

Nothing in this policy limits or excludes any rights you may have under applicable law.

6. Prescribing and prescription-only medicines

Some treatments involve prescription-only medicines (POMs). Where relevant, MedPlus will ensure that prescribing is completed by an appropriately qualified prescriber following a suitability assessment, and in line with applicable regulations and clinic processes.

Patients will be informed when a prescribing consultation is required prior to treatment.

7. Roles, accountability and responsibilities

MedPlus remains responsible for clinical governance, including:

setting clinical standards, policies and expected levels of practice

ensuring appropriate onboarding checks are completed

monitoring service quality and patient feedback

responding to complaints and concerns

reviewing incidents/near-misses and implementing learning

restricting, suspending or ending engagement where standards are not met.

8. Supervision, escalation and patient safety

Associate clinicians must know how to escalate concerns and seek advice promptly when needed. MedPlus maintains clear escalation routes for clinical and safeguarding matters.

Clinical Lead: Michael Sadler (HCPC registered)
Safeguarding & Mental Health Lead: Hayley Beeden (NMC registered)

9. Patient transparency

You may ask who will be providing your treatment and what their role and professional registration is (where applicable). We will provide this information where appropriate.

10. Concerns and complaints

If you have any concerns about your care, please refer to our Complaints Procedure or contact us directly:

Email: info@medplusuk.com
Telephone: 01329722721

11. Review

This policy is reviewed periodically and updated as needed to reflect service changes and current best practice.