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NHS Negligence Costs Skyrocket to £60bn, Quadrupling in 16 Years
The NHS medical negligence costs have surged to £60 billion, driven by rising claims and legal fees, highlighting a critical issue in the UK’s healthcare system.
- The National Audit Office (United Kingdom) reported that NHS medical negligence costs have quadrupled to £60 billion since 2006/7, making it a major budget liability.
- Increasing claims related to medical malpractice, such as cases involving brain damage and cerebral palsy, have contributed significantly to the rising costs of damages within the NHS.
- Legal fees associated with these negligence claims are often higher than the compensation awarded to patients, indicating a troubling trend in the handling of legal liability within obstetrics and other medical fields.
Why It Matters
This significant rise in NHS negligence costs raises concerns about the sustainability of healthcare funding in the UK and the impact on patient care, highlighting urgent needs for reform in the system.