The House of Commons Health and Social Care Select Committee today (Thursday, 28 April 2022) published a report calling for an overhaul of the negligence compensation system that costs the NHS in England billions of pounds every year.
It said the current system for compensating injured patients in England was “not fit for purpose” and urged the government to adopt its recommendations for a radically different system.
Commenting on the report, Emma Parfitt, director of professional services and general counsel at MDDUS, said: “We have long advocated for reform of the disproportionately expensive clinical negligence system to make it fairer and more transparent for clinicians and patients alike, and we welcome this report from the select committee.
“Its recommendations are wide ranging and will require detailed consideration.
“We are pleased to see the committee recognise our position that the outdated 1948 legislation that addresses how claimants’ costs for ongoing care are decided must now be reformed.
“It is also encouraging to see the committee establish its support for reform and review of the system of Qualified One-Way Costs Shifting (QOCs).
“We strongly urge the government to bring forward now the consultation on clinical negligence reform it has committed to and address the many significant failings in the current system the committee’s report has highlighted.”
ENDS
The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) is a mutual organisation that protects the professional interests of more than 54,000 doctors and dentists across the United Kingdom, offering access to indemnity, support and legal advice.
For further information please contact Alison Hardie, head of public affairs and strategic communications, on ahardie@mddus.com or on 07501 421398
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