§ 51. Sir Michael McNair-WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the National Health Service indemnity scheme for doctors in National Health Service hospitals is now in place.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyYes. With effect from 1 January 1990, health authorities are taking direct financial666W responsibility in claims of negligence against their medical staff. In December the Department of Health issued a circular to health authorities and a leaflet for all doctors and dentists in the hospital and community health services. A copy of the circular, HC(89)34, and of the leaflet, "Medical Negligence" are available in the Library.