§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the cost of the proven cases of medical negligence in hospitals in each of the past 10 years; what was the average time of such cases to completion; in how286W many cases medical practitioners were (a) dismissed from the health service, (b) advised to retire or (c) suffered some other sanction; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 13 April 1994]: The information requested on the cost of settlements in cases of medical negligence in hospitals in Scotland can be provided only from 1 January 1990 when financial responsibility for medical negligence was assumed by health boards. The costs, including claimants' costs, for this period were as follows:
£ 1989–90 957,956 1990–91 1,290,968 1991–92 998,369 1992–93 1,091,489 Figures for 1993–94 are not yet available.
The length of time taken to settle such cases can vary depending on the nature of the case. If agreement is reached before a case reaches the courts, it can be settled within six to nine months of a claim being lodged. If a claim is determined by the courts, the average time taken to reach a conclusion is around five years.
Information on the number of cases in which medical practitioners were dismissed from the service, advised to retire or suffered some other sanction is not held centrally.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects information on medical negligence claims for 1992–93 to be made available; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 13 April 1994]: The total amount of compensation payments for 1992–93, including claimants' costs, for all health boards and NHS trusts in Scotland in respect of the negligence of their medical and dental staff was £1,091,489.