§ Harry CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether independent midwives will be included within100WS the scope of the NHS Litigation Authority; and if he will make a statement. [133329]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonThe NHS Litigation Authority administers the clinical negligence scheme for trusts. Advice to the national health service in "Health Service Guideline (96)48: NHS Indemnity, Arrangements for Clinical Negligence Claims in the NHS", states that independent midwives are responsible for making their own indemnity arrangements, as are other self-employed health care professionals. A review of NHS indemnity is about to commence and the status of all health care professionals under NHS indemnity will be examined. No decision has been made concerning independent midwives.