§ Mr. Anthony CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures she proposes to take following the issue in 1994 of a consultation document on the682W proposed creation of a central fund for clinical negligence costs in the NHS. [17358]
§ Mr. MaloneLast year, the Department of Health published outline proposals for a central fund to help national health service trusts spread the costs of clinical negligence. The response to the proposals, both from the NHS and other interested parties, was very positive. Detailed design work on the scheme has been carried out for the Department by a team from the Medical Protection Society and Willis Corroon Ltd. in full consultation with the trust movement.
In the light of the continued high degree of interest shown by NHS trusts, I have decided that—subject to parliamentary authority—the scheme should go ahead with effect from 1 April 1995. The scheme will be voluntary. The necessary regulations to set up the scheme, and the special health authority which will administer it on behalf of the Secretary of State, will be laid in the near future.