Medical Negligence Compensation Costs
Posted by Lee Scott, MP for Ilford North, at 16:30, Wed 12 November 2008:
In response to my recent Parliamentary question the Health Minister he confirmed that in the past three years Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust has paid out more than £16.2 million in compensation to patients under the NHSLA's Clinical Negligence Scheme. The compensation will be justified by the nature of each individual case. However in my view a good deal more should be done to reduce the need for such payments by reducing clinical negligence. Our doctors and nurses are doing a first rate job in what are very challenging conditions.
I have now asked Ministers an additional question seeking confirmation of how much is being spent on legal fees in connection with these cases.
I would like to know your views on this important issue.
Lee Scott MP
Comments
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Posted by Shirley Collier, 15:27, Mon 1 December 2008: (Is this post abusive?) #
I'm shocked! I'm thinking of how much good this amount of money could have done within the NHS. How could things have gone so wrong?
Shirley
Posted by Eamonn O'Brien, 09:05, Tue 2 December 2008: (Is this post abusive?) #
this is not surprising. the amount of money wasted by the NHS is forever increasing. Just like the salaries of the managers. I have no faith in the NHS anymore
Posted by Anna McGovern, 09:08, Tue 2 December 2008: (Is this post abusive?) #
I'm uncomfortable with neglecting the details on medical negligence - sounding off about the amounts of money involved and not elaborating about the number of people its being given to and what it's for makes it sound as if there's been a lot of negligence. Which in turn makes it look like you're taking a pop at the NHS. It depends. Has this money been given out to 3 people or 300?
Nurses and doctors do a brilliant job. And other staff in hospitals too.
If there were more staff, people wouldn't be so rushed and mistakes wouldn't be made. And if there was more money for training, people would be more confident with the wonderful work that they do.
Posted by Elizabeth Ling, 12:42, Tue 2 December 2008: (Is this post abusive?) #
i AGREE THAT IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT NEGLIGENCE IS REDUCED AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
Posted by David & Pauline Morgan, 21:08, Tue 2 December 2008: (Is this post abusive?) #
We're in admiration of the NHS staff and some situations require the wisdom of Solomon to apply.
It is sad that we now have: a culture of litigation: Cash vs Care a philosophy of idealism: Perfection vs Reality
I recall that some coroners reports have mentioned that basic procedures and core standards have been missing. While seeking to avoid reductionism, these must be areas for further investigation.