§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 8 June,Official Report, columns 236–37, if she will give the membership and remit of the joint Department of Health/national health service working group on medical negligence claims in the NHS.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe terms of reference of the joint departmental/national health service working group on the financial arrangements for clinical negligence are
To consider the issues, opportunity and risks involved in setting up a mutual insurance scheme under Section 21 of the NHS and Community Care Act 1990. To prepare a specification for a tender document inviting proposals by open tender process for the management of such a scheme and to consider the merits of each proposal and recommend a management company.To consider, in parallel with work on the scheme, any other arrangements in the area of clinical negligence, risk management and claims management which may be required.The working group is composed of officials from the Department and representatives from regional health 123W authorities, NHS trust bodies and independent NHS trusts; NHS representatives provide a wide range of practical experience in the legal, financial and risk aspects of clinical negligence.