NHS negligence complaints system set for overhaul

6 Sep 01
The government is to update the 'slow and bureaucratic' NHS negligence complaints system.

07 September 2001

Reform was long overdue, England's chief medical officer, Professor Liam Donaldson, said this week. He promised a white paper early next year with legislation to follow soon after.

The government wants to cut the bill for medical negligence. Outstanding claims in the UK are valued at £3bn.

Donaldson said no-fault compensation and improved mediation were among potential solutions.

The British Medical Association welcomed the moves but it added: 'The growth of a compensation culture in the NHS stems from the fact that the public are not fully aware of the possible risks of medical treatment. There is a need to improve communication of these risks to patients.'

PFsep2001

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