NHS pays record £2.8 billion in medical negligence claims

In 2023/24 alone, the NHS saw 13,784 reported incidents and claims.

This included a nine per cent increase in claims arising from poor care in general practice with a total of £149 million paid to claimants (£9 million more than last year).

Meanwhile, negligence claims in obstetrics (those arising from poor maternity care, birth injury and, gynaecology injury) represented 13 per cent of claims excluding general practice, yet they contributed to 57 per cent of the total value of NHS settlements.

That’s over half of all costs being associated with maternity care.

I recently wrote an article specifically about concerns in the provision of maternity care across NHS trusts in the UK, which you can read here.

Why the increase in claims?

The rise in the amount paid out by the NHS for medical negligence, particularly in those arising from maternity services, is a concerning trend that reflects underlying issues in the quality of care provided.

Maternity claims are among the costliest due to the lifelong implications of birth injuries, which can have devastating effects on both the child and the family.

In Nottingham alone, the NHS has recently paid out £101 million over maternity failings.

This increase in cases suggests that lessons are not being learnt and patient harm continues.

The ongoing investigations in Nottingham hospitals highlights significant concerns raised about the standard of maternity care within the trust.

This situation also underscores the urgent need for improvements in maternity services across the NHS, not only to ensure patient safety and better outcomes for mothers and babies but also to reduce the financial burden of negligence claims on the NHS.

Improving maternity care is essential to protect NHS patients, which will in turn reduce the number of claims made and in turn the costs associated with those claims.

A focus on enhancing care standards would lead to fewer incidents, better patient outcomes, and a reduction in the number of claims, benefiting both the NHS and the individuals who rely on its services.

Have you been the victim of medical negligence?

If you believe you may have been affected by medical negligence, it is important to reflect on your recent medical experiences.

Have you suffered from inadequate care, delayed treatment, or any mistakes that have caused you harm?

Understanding your rights is the first step towards seeking justice and receiving the compensation you deserve.

• As a patient you have a right to receive a reasonable standard of care from medical professionals.
• If this standard is not met, and you suffer harm as a result, you may have grounds for a negligence claim.
• Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation, and other related costs.
• There are time limits for making a claim, so it is important to act promptly.
• A successful claim can also drive improvements in healthcare standards.

If you suspect you have been mistreated or experienced substandard care, it is crucial to seek professional advice from a solicitor.

Speaking with a medical negligence solicitor can give you clarity on your situation and guide you through the process of making a claim.

As the Head of Medical Negligence, I am here to support you every step of the way.

Contact me or my team to discuss your case and take the first step towards getting the compensation you deserve.