Menu
14/10/2005
Government announces NHS claims Bill
The government has unveiled plans to introduce a faster system to deal with NHS complaints, without having to go to court.
Under the NHS Redress Bill, patients will no longer have to go to court to get compensation, care, apologies or investigation if something goes wrong with their NHS treatment.
The NHS Redress scheme, which will be overseen by the NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA), will cover low monetary value claims, with the initial upper limit expected to be set at £20,000.
Clinical negligence claims cost the NHS £503 million in 2004-05 and the government hopes that the scheme will help to eliminate long delays in the waiting for compensation, as well as cut down on legal costs.
Health Minister Jane Kennedy said that the Bill would mean “fairness for patients, not fees for lawyers” and would help to prevent a US-style litigation culture. She said: “The vast majority of NHS patients receive safe and effective care, but we have to recognise that in our modern, increasingly complex health service, mistakes do happen.
“We want to improve patients’ experiences of the NHS by giving patients what they tell us they want when something goes wrong with their care.
“We need to move away from the current way of responding to clinical negligence, which is characterised by variations in outcomes, long and complicated processes and legal costs that often exceed amounts paid out to patients.”
The NHSLA will be responsible for establishing liability under the scheme, as well as managing the financial compensation, if appropriate. If financial compensation is not appropriate in a case, patients will still be entitled to receive an investigation, explanation, apology or remedial care.
Steve Walker, Chief Executive of the NHS Litigation Authority, said that the redress scheme would enable the NHS “to deliver access to justice even faster and more economically in future.”
Gary Fereday, Policy Manager at the NHS Confederation, also welcomed the Bill, saying that it could help make the “cumbersome” compensation process more effective. He said: “Where patients are entitled to compensation, they should get it more quickly and more efficiently. We will work with our members to ensure that the detail of the legislation will be workable for patients and NHS organisations on the ground.”
(KMcA/SP)
Under the NHS Redress Bill, patients will no longer have to go to court to get compensation, care, apologies or investigation if something goes wrong with their NHS treatment.
The NHS Redress scheme, which will be overseen by the NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA), will cover low monetary value claims, with the initial upper limit expected to be set at £20,000.
Clinical negligence claims cost the NHS £503 million in 2004-05 and the government hopes that the scheme will help to eliminate long delays in the waiting for compensation, as well as cut down on legal costs.
Health Minister Jane Kennedy said that the Bill would mean “fairness for patients, not fees for lawyers” and would help to prevent a US-style litigation culture. She said: “The vast majority of NHS patients receive safe and effective care, but we have to recognise that in our modern, increasingly complex health service, mistakes do happen.
“We want to improve patients’ experiences of the NHS by giving patients what they tell us they want when something goes wrong with their care.
“We need to move away from the current way of responding to clinical negligence, which is characterised by variations in outcomes, long and complicated processes and legal costs that often exceed amounts paid out to patients.”
The NHSLA will be responsible for establishing liability under the scheme, as well as managing the financial compensation, if appropriate. If financial compensation is not appropriate in a case, patients will still be entitled to receive an investigation, explanation, apology or remedial care.
Steve Walker, Chief Executive of the NHS Litigation Authority, said that the redress scheme would enable the NHS “to deliver access to justice even faster and more economically in future.”
Gary Fereday, Policy Manager at the NHS Confederation, also welcomed the Bill, saying that it could help make the “cumbersome” compensation process more effective. He said: “Where patients are entitled to compensation, they should get it more quickly and more efficiently. We will work with our members to ensure that the detail of the legislation will be workable for patients and NHS organisations on the ground.”
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 March 2007
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
24 March 2011
Patients Getting Improved NHS Care
A round-up of NHS quality and financial performance between October and December 2010 has been published by the Department of Health today.
Patients Getting Improved NHS Care
A round-up of NHS quality and financial performance between October and December 2010 has been published by the Department of Health today.
04 January 2005
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
05 November 2008
NHS Drug 'Top Up' Plans Announced
Patients will be able to pay for medicines privately, as well as receiving National Health Service (NHS) treatment, under new plans drawn up by ministers. Health Secretary Alan Johnson made the announcement yesterday that patients, who pay extra for 'top up' drugs, will no longer lose their right to receive NHS care.
NHS Drug 'Top Up' Plans Announced
Patients will be able to pay for medicines privately, as well as receiving National Health Service (NHS) treatment, under new plans drawn up by ministers. Health Secretary Alan Johnson made the announcement yesterday that patients, who pay extra for 'top up' drugs, will no longer lose their right to receive NHS care.
23 September 2004
NHS recruitment drive to focus on over 50s
A new nationwide drive to recruit NHS staff, which will focus for the first time on the over 50s, has been was launched today. NHS Job Shop Day comprises of 220 events taking place around the country on or around 23 September. Around 150 Jobcentres across England will also be holding special NHS events on 23 September as part of NHS Job Shop Day.
NHS recruitment drive to focus on over 50s
A new nationwide drive to recruit NHS staff, which will focus for the first time on the over 50s, has been was launched today. NHS Job Shop Day comprises of 220 events taking place around the country on or around 23 September. Around 150 Jobcentres across England will also be holding special NHS events on 23 September as part of NHS Job Shop Day.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
