The Medical Defence Union (MDU), the parent company of the Dental Defence Union (DDU), has appointed Dr Hugh Stewart to the role of professional services director. Hugh will take over from Dr Matthew Lee, who becomes the DDU’s new chief executive.
In this role, Hugh will be responsible for key services DDU members rely on, including 24-hour dento-legal advice and assistance, claims handling and in-house legal teams and clinical risk management services founded on 136 years of guiding, supporting and defending healthcare professionals.
Hugh is a former GP partner and law lecturer and has worked in a number of roles within the company, most recently as director of legal services and director of Scottish affairs, in which he has overseen a move to entirely paperless legal working and a substantial growth in the number of the DDU’s dental members in Scotland.
Hugh commented, “I am very pleased to be appointed professional services director and look forward to continuing Matt’s achievements in developing the services we provide to dentists across the UK. I am proud to lead such an outstanding professional services team and I consider it a privilege to be in a position to serve and support our members who are currently facing unprecedented pressures.
Dr Matthew Lee, DDU chief executive, said, “I’m delighted that Hugh will be taking over from me as professional services director. He is experienced in both law and medicine and has extensive knowledge of the DDU’s work as well as a deep commitment to our members. As such, I am confident that Hugh will ensure the continuing success of the DDU’s professional services team in the years ahead.”