In brief

CLINIC SELECTION ADVICE

The North of England P&I Club has launched a service for members to help select and commission clinics for crew pre-employment medicals. Crew illness claims – which in extreme cases can exceed US$100,000 and cost the Club around $8m last year. Senior personal injury claims executive Judith Burdus said: ‘Rather than attempt to replicate our enhanced Filipino pre-employment medical scheme in other crew-supply areas worldwide, we felt it was more cost-effective and flexible to produce clinic-assessment guidelines and model examinations for our members to use directly.’ The new guidelines advise on enquiries to make before a visit and provide an inspection checklist to complete during a visit.