§ Ms. HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what amount was paid out by(a) each regional health authority and (b) the family practitioner service in out-of-court settlements to the pursuers of claims alleging medical negligence for the years 1984–85, 1985–86 and 1986–87;
(2) if he will list, for each regional health authority in England and Wales, the total payments made in compensation to victims of medical accidents in each of the years 1984–85, 1985–86 and 1986–87.
§ Mr. Mellor[holding answer 11 November 1988]I regret that the information is not available in the form requested. Questions about health authorities in Wales are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
The information held centrally is given in the table which shows compensation payments made by health authorities as recorded in their annual accounts. However, this information does not distinguish between compensation payments in respect of medical accidents and other compensation payments, for example, those in respect of damage to property or for unfair dismissal. Nor does it distinguish between payments made as a result of court decisions, out of court settlement or legal advice.
In the case of family practitioner services, general medical practitioners and other family practitioners are independent contractors and are individually responsible for any actions or claims arising from the services that they provide. Any costs arising from out of court settlements related to such actions are, therefore, a matter for the practitioner concerned.
488W
Region 1984–85 £ 1985–86 £ 1986–87 £ Northern 141,399 266,357 360,445 Yorkshire 322,560 526,650 975,346 Trent 318,972 480,459 636,355 East Anglian 222,633 220,737 212,037 North West Thames 534,736 340,419 401,463 North East Thames 766,875 474,501 1,218,109 South East Thames 469,300 594,659 481,922 South West Thames 320,771 785,099 551,560 Wessex 181,534 558,254 508,791 Oxford 133,937 204,803 395,219 South Western 305,779 208,190 411,820
Region 1984–85 £ 1985–86 £ 1986–87 £ West Midlands 371,489 1,666,715 1,356,637 Mersey 266,350 316,312 477,401 North Western 545,479 750,188 1,190,563 Special health authorities for the London postgraduate teaching hospitals 156,776 41,474 53,376 Total 5,058,590 7,434,817 9,231,044