§ Mr. Edward DaveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) clinical negligence cases and (b) clinical negligence cases related to radiotherapy treatment, have been settled out of court in the past two years by each health authority; what has been the cost to health authorities of settling (i) clinical negligence cases and (ii) clinical negligence cases related to radiotherapy treatment, out of court over the past two years; and if he will make a statement. [117269]
§ Ms StuartHistorically, data on numbers of claims have not been collected centrally.
395WThe total costs for all clinical negligence claims for the last available two years are:
- 1996–97: £235 million
- 1997–98: £144 million.
Figures for 1998–99 are not yet available. It should also be noted that, due to changes to accounting practice required by the National Audit Office, these figures are not directly comparable.
It is not possible to say what proportion of clinical negligence claims are settled out of court, or which relate to radiotherapy treatment.