Easier access to negligence compensation announced
Victims of clinical negligence in the NHS are to get access to a new scheme for redress.
Announced in the Queen’s Speech this week, the NHS Redress Bill
will provide for a quick response to low value clinical negligence claims.
The NHS Litigation Authority will oversee the scheme and cases will need
to meet a number of criteria, including falling below an agreed financial
threshold and being brought within a specified time.
According to the Department of Health, the Bill will introduce a real
alternative to litigation and avoid its associated delays and costs.
It will drive consistency in the way claims are dealt with across the
NHS and emphasise providing patients with an explanation, apology and
reassurance as a matter of course.
There will also be a Hospital Hygiene Bill, which will introduce a hygiene
code of practice for all NHS bodies, independent health care providers
and care homes to try to
reduce the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Inspections will be
carried out by the Healthcare Commission and the Commission for Social
Care Inspection, which will be able to issue
improvement orders. There will be consultation on the planned code and
any enforcement sanctions.
Measures to restrict smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces
over a three-year period were also announced.
Beverley Parkin, director of public affairs and communications for the
Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said: “There are seven Bills and
measures of direct interest to the profession and we will track them
as they roll out. There is going to be a packed few months ahead of us.” |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal
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