§ Mr. SwireTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money has been set aside to compensate the children who survived the Bristol heart case affair. [27881]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 17 January 2002]: All claims for compensation are assessed individually, on their merits. Any compensation payments made in relation to cardiac surgery at the Bristol Royal Infirmary will be handled in accordance with the arrangements in place for all other clinical negligence claims against national health service trusts and health authorities.
§ Mr. SwireTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases where children were left mentally disabled resulting from the Bristol heart cases(a) have been settled and (b) are outstanding. [27880]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 17 January 2002]: There have been a total of 61 claims made in relation to children who are alleged to have suffered injury following cardiac surgery at Bristol Royal Infirmary. In two of these cases legal proceedings have been issued. Admissions of liability have been made in two other cases, but neither of these were subject to court proceedings. 24 cases have either been withdrawn or are unlikely to proceed. In the remaining 33 cases solicitors have been asked to provide further details.
§ Mr. SwireTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money has been paid out to date by way of compensation to families resulting from the Bristol heart cases. [27882]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 17 January 2002]: A total of £1,900,000 has so far been paid out to date as compensation for claims relating to cardiac surgery at the Bristol Royal Infirmary.