Commenting on the 2024-25 NHS Resolution annual report –

Steven Davies, Head of Legal Services at Medical Protection, said:

“At a time when NHS finances are in such a parlous state, and there much to be done to transform patient care and services, it is right to question whether the sums paid out on NHS clinical negligence claims - £3.1bn in 2024/25 - are sustainable. NHS Resolution also estimates that over £60bn is needed for future clinical negligence costs, making it one of the Government’s largest liabilities.

“The high cost of clinical negligence also impacts on healthcare professionals not protected through a state-backed indemnity scheme – such as private practitioners and dentists – who bear the cost of protecting themselves against claims.

“We welcome the news in the NHS 10-year plan that David Lock KC will provide expert advice on the spiralling cost of clinical negligence, ahead of a Government review in the autumn. A comprehensive strategy - which balances fair compensation for patients and affordability for the NHS and society - is long-overdue.”

ENDS

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About Medical Protection

The Medical Protection Society Limited (“MPS”) is the world’s leading protection organisation for doctors, dentists and healthcare professionals. We protect and support the professional interests of more than 300,000 members around the world. Membership provides access to expert advice and support and can also provide, depending on the type of membership required, the right to request indemnity for any complaints or claims arising from professional practice.

Our in-house experts assist with the wide range of legal and ethical problems that arise from professional practice. This can include clinical negligence claims, complaints, medical and dental council inquiries, legal and ethical dilemmas, disciplinary procedures, inquests and fatal accident inquiries.

Our philosophy is to support safe practice in medicine and dentistry by helping to avert problems in the first place. We do this by promoting risk management through our workshops, E-learning, clinical risk assessments, publications, conferences, lectures and presentations.

MPS is not an insurance company. All the benefits of membership of MPS are discretionary as set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association.