The Medical Defence Union (MDU) celebrates its 140th anniversary in 2025, with this milestone recognised in its newly published annual report and accounts.
Dr. Matthew Lee, MDU chief executive, said: “2025 marks 140 years since the MDU was founded and in that time it has grown from supporting a few hundred doctors to counting almost a quarter of a million healthcare professionals as members.
“The MDU’s story is one of progress and evolution and we have been by the side of our members through changing times and changing practices. We were supporting members more than a century before the human genome was sequenced; more than 60 years before the NHS was created, and 40 years before the discovery of penicillin.
“Our members work in a complex sector where technologies, pressures and expectations continue to evolve. From virtual consultations to robot assisted surgeries and AI driven diagnostic tools, today’s interactions with patients are a world away from what our founding members might recognise but the commitment of our members to support the health of patients across the UK will never change.
“As we look back on our 2024 results, I’m incredibly proud of our performance and the outcomes they reflect for our members.”
The MDU’s annual report highlights that during 2024, it successfully concluded 80% of medical claims without a payment of damages. Furthermore, in the few cases that progressed all the way to trial in court and concluded in 2024, 80% were won on behalf of the members involved.
Continuing its work to represent member interests, in 2024 the MDU launched its An Agenda for Change policy paper highlighting policy areas for the UK government to address. Reflecting feedback from MDU members, this includes reform of healthcare professional regulation, taking action on clinical negligence costs and prioritising the wellbeing of healthcare professionals.
Dr. Lee continues: “Much has changed since the MDU was founded in 1885, but our core purpose remains - to guide, support and defend healthcare professionals.
“I am hugely proud of everything the MDU has achieved and can say with confidence that our focus is on ensuring the MDU is by the side of our members for another 140 years to come.”
