HC Deb 16 March 1995 vol 256 cc705-6W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals she has to secure the financial future of NHS trusts against medical negligence claims; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Malone

The management of medical negligence claims is a matter for individual trusts. At present, where a trust has, in any financial year, to pay claims with a total value in excess of 0.5 per cent. of its turnover, the trust may apply to the national health service executive for a loan in order to spread the cost of meeting the claims. A scheme is being developed under section 21 of the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 for trusts to pool the financial liabilities arising out of clinical negligence. Discussions are continuing on the details of the proposals and if trusts are sufficiently supportive, the scheme is likely to be introduced in 1995–96 on a voluntary basis.

1994. Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was paid out in damages by each NHS trust in England in(a) 1992, (b) 1993 and (c)

Mr. Malone

The information will be placed in the Library.

1994. Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many civil actions for damages arising from alleged medical negligence were started against each NHS trust in England in(a) 1992, (b) 1993 and (c)

Mr. Malone

This information is not available centrally.

Mr. Milburn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list all the current(a) chairs and (b) non-executive directors of each trust board by region, indicating the gender and occupation of each individual.

Mr. Malone

[holding answer 23 February 1995]: The latest information available centrally will be placed in the Library.

Mr. Milburn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list those trust boards that currently have vacancies for chairs and non-executive directors; and whether the posts will be filled under the new appointments regime.

Mr. Malone

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him earlier, for details of vacancies on the boards of national health service trusts. All appointments made after 1 April will be in accordance with new guidelines on appointments procedures.

Mr. Milburn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list all the current(a) chairs and (b) non-executive directors of each trust board by region, indicating the gender and occupation of each individual.

Mr. Malone

[holding answer 23 February 1995]: The latest information available centrally will be placed in the Library.