Compensation Claims Against the NHS, 2017 - 2018
The Annual Report for 2017/18 by NHS Resolution identified the number of new clinical negligence claims against the NHS during that period. They have also since then undertaken investigations into the factors which influence people who have suffered clinical negligence to make compensation claims.
Levels of claims
According to last year's annual report by NHS Resolution, the NHS received 10,686 claims for clinical negligence during 2016-2017. In their latest annual report, that figure is recorded as having gone down by thirteen claims to a total of 10,673 new claims received during the period 2017-2018.
This new total appears to continue a gradual decline in claim numbers over the last four years.
Types of compensation claims
According to the annual report, the greatest number of new claims in 2017/18 related to incidents in casualty or A&E units. This was closely followed by clinical negligence in orthopaedic surgery such as hip or knee replacements as well as surgery to other musculoskeletal structures such as the spine, foot, shoulder. In third position were obstetric incidents relating to maternity and childbirth.
Collectively, these three areas of medicine accounted for 35% of all new compensation claims as well as over 50% of the value of new claims in 2017/18.
Incidents related to general surgery accounted for 9% of claims and gynaecological compensation claims accounted for a further 5% of claims.
Motivation for compensation claims
Researching what motivates people to consider making a claim for compensation, NHS Resolution have found that, out of a survey of over 700 patients, 63% felt that they had received no explanation for what had occurred to them and 31% felt they had received no apology.
It also appears to be significant that over 70% of those surveyed believed that there had been no investigation into the incident that had affected them. Critically, only 6% felt that action was taken to prevent a reoccurrence of the incident that had affected them.
The value of a compensation claim
We have found that, where medical negligence has left a patient with permanent disability, affecting their ability to work, to socialise and to be independent, a successful compensation claim can ease the problems caused by their devastating experience.
The psychological impact of a successful claim can also help the patient feel that justice has been done and that their injury and suffering have been recognised.
Talk to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering the long-term impact of a significant failing in medical care, contact us to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
It may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
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For a free, no-obligation enquiry, contact us at Glynns Solicitors. We are located between Bath and Bristol, and act for victims of medical error across England and Wales.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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