§ Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the requirements on health 232W authorities with regard to the provision of personal accident insurance for ambulance personnel in their employment.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThere are no requirements on health authorities to provide personal accident insurance for ambulance personnel. Arrangements for paid sick leave and payment of injury benefit, under the NHS Superannuation (Injury Benefits) Regulations 1974, to ambulance and other National Health Service Staff apply to cases of personal injury occurring in the course of employment. Third party claims are normally met by NHS employing authorities who may be held to be vicariously liable for the negligence, other than criminal negligence, of their employees in the course of the employment. Such claims are met from voted moneys and no insurance arrangements are necessary.