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