§ Mr. SpellerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients were damaged by excess radiation treatment at the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital,156W Wonford in Exeter during the period 15 February 1988 to 12 July 1988; how many are alive; how many cases of compensation have been settled on agreed financial terms; and how many are still outstanding.
§ Mr. DorrellA total of 207 patients were treated on the miscalibrated radiotherapy unit. To date, Exeter health authority has been notified of the deaths of 134 patients and so far as the authority is aware the remaining 73 are alive.
I am advised by Exeter health authority that, of the 104 claims received so far, 38 have reached full and final settlement and 21 have reached agreed settlement on the element of the claims concerning pain, suffering and loss of amenity.