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February 2014 Issue 58
INDEPENDENT PRACTITIONER To day THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR DOCTORS WITH A PRIVATE PRACTICE
In this issue
If they nick your bright idea
We show you how to protect your invention when someone tries to infringe your patent P12
Investigating your staff How to tackle allegations of poor performance and conduct by your staff P25
ractitioner-tod
ay.co.uk INDEPEN EN T PRACTITID ONER Today
THE BUSIN ESS DOCTORS WITH MAG AZIN E FOR A PRIVATE PRACT ICE
A selection of services for pr goods and ivate doctors
Product Guide 2014 Product Guide
Independent Practi
tioner Today
1
FREE INSIDE!
Keep your nose clean
It’s not just making clinical mistakes that get you into professional trouble P30
Three big issues show how private doctors are facing major upheaval
Harley Street dominion under threat By Robin Stride Leading independent practitioners and key figures in the private healthcare market have been called to a high-level think-tank next month to discuss Harley Street’s future. They meet amid fears for the future ability of the world-famous medical enclave to attract enough business in the face of growing overseas competition. Keith Pollard, the man behind the initiative, told Independent Practitioner Today the topic could not be more important to the private healthcare industry. He said: ‘The future of Harley Street is vital to the future of private healthcare in the UK, as it’s the brand everyone associates with private healthcare both in the UK and around the world.
‘That brand needs to continue to grow and strengthen in both the domestic and international marketplace to compete with emerging competitors. ‘This means continuing to offer the latest treatments, the best surgeons and the best levels of patient care as well as marketing and promotion of Harley Street around the world.’ But, as he warns in Independent Practitioner Today (page 14), he fears the street’s reputation and pre-eminence in the international patient market will become part of history if nothing is done. An expert panel at the seminar – from 18.30-20.30 at The Royal Society of Medicine on 27 March – will review and discuss how Harley Street can maintain and strengthen its pre-eminent position as an international centre of
Greater competition on the way ‘We’ve got hundreds of consultants really angry that the Competition Commission hasn’t understood the market and hasn’t understood their point of view and is reaching conclusions that will damage patients. Consultants have said we’ve done a great job investing in their hospitals. Now they are worried about their future.’ HCA commercial director Keith Biddlestone SEE PAGES 7-9 In association with
medical excellence despite international competition and a rise of medical tourism. Mr Pollard, managing director of Intuition Communication, added: ‘It will be fascinating to hear from some of the many stakeholders in the Harley Street brand, from landlords to consultants, to understand how the many disparate groups involved will tackle these challenges.’ Speakers and panelists include representatives from his company, The London Consultants Assoc iation, The Howard de Walden Est ate, HCA International, London Healthcare, Anglo Medical, and Healthcare UK. The free seminar, to be chaired by ITV News health correspondent Sue Saville, takes place in front of an invited audience limited to 100 guests. Invitation applications
are now being accepted on http:// future.harleystreet.com. Doctors will hear and share views on how Harley Street can lead the way in an increasingly competitive marketplace and how it can compete with over 80 countries offering medical tourism opportunities. Intuition Communication, the specialist publisher of consumer and business-to-business information on private healthcare and medical travel, said audience members and guests will receive market updates in advance so they can study latest figures and trends and take part in an informed debate. Sponsors include The Howard de Walden Estate, HCA International, King Edward VII Hospital, London General Practice, London Women’s Clinic and Ten Harley Street. ➱ See feature article: ‘Overseas rivals are streets ahead’, p14
Mileage faces tighter scrutiny
‘Specialists face a hefty rise in their motoring costs following a far-reaching tax case judgment that will prevent them claiming mileage to and from their homes to regular places of business such as private hospitals.’ Leading accountant Ray Stanbridge reports on what is changing and gives advice on what to do now
SEE PAGE 16-18