Clinical negligence costs: the (almost hidden) threat to the sustainability of the NHS and what to do about it

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Citation

Yau CWH, Leigh B, Liberati I, Punch D, Dixon-Woods M, Draycott T. Clinical negligence costs: the (almost hidden) threat to the sustainability of the NHS and what to do about it. BMJ 2020;368:m552; https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m552

Contributors

Tackling the soaring cost of clinical negligence

Investment into improving patient safety is essential at all levels in the NHS to reduce avoidable harms and so that money spent on clinical negligence claims can be deployed for patient care.

 

Investment to improve patient safety in the NHS would help to reduce the human distress and escalating cost of clinical negligence claims, releasing money that could be used directly for patient care, according to a new analysis. The authors recommend four key principles to improve patient safety:

Why it matters

Litigation costs are reaching unsustainable levels. The NHS paid £2.4 billion for clinical negligence claims in 2018-1029 and has set aside £83.4 billion for expected future claims. This money would otherwise be spent on patient care. Maternity cases account for over 50% of total litigation costs although they represent only 10% of the number of cases, because injury sustained at birth may have lifelong consequences. While some influences on litigation are outside the control of the health system, implementing the steps outlined above will help to reduce avoidable harm.

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