Written Question · S3W-12661 · Session 3
Further to the answer to question S3W-11099 by Nicola Sturgeon on 14 April 2008, how it accounts for the rise in clinical negligence payout…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-11099 by Nicola Sturgeon on 14 April 2008, how it accounts for the rise in clinical negligence payouts between 2005-06 and 2006-07; what impact these payouts had on budgets originally aimed at delivering frontline services; what steps are being taken to ensure that there is accountability for errors made; how many staff have been disciplined and by what methods, and whether it believes that steps can be taken to reduce the incidence of clinical negligence in the NHS in future years.
The answer
The rise in clinical negligence payments between 2005-06 and 2006-07 is attributed to a larger than normal number of high-value settlements, mostly birth related cases which can take several years to settle.
The Scottish Government operates an insurance scheme to indemnify boards against fluctuations in the awards of claims each year. This covers most of the value of claims that boards expect to be awarded and their contributions are based on an actuarial assessment of claims outstanding each year to minimise the impact on their funding.
NHS boards are required to comply with clinical governance standards advised and monitored by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland. They are also required to comply with Scottish Government Staff Governance Standards. NHS boards are subject to audit and are required to sign a Statement on Internal Control that includes compliance with these standards. This should ensure that appropriate disciplinary procedures are applied in respect of failures to apply appropriate guidance by NHS bodies and their staff.
Information on disciplinary action resulting from cases of medical negligence is not held centrally.
Patient safety is a major strategic development priority for NHS Scotland. The Scottish Patient Safety Alliance and Programme will systematically aim to reduce harm to patients as a result of health care interventions. This is the first time that a patient safety programme will have been implemented across a whole health care system, and it signals the Scottish Government''s absolute determination to secure improvements for those using the NHS, and for those who work in it.
The Scottish Government operates an insurance scheme to indemnify boards against fluctuations in the awards of claims each year. This covers most of the value of claims that boards expect to be awarded and their contributions are based on an actuarial assessment of claims outstanding each year to minimise the impact on their funding.
NHS boards are required to comply with clinical governance standards advised and monitored by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland. They are also required to comply with Scottish Government Staff Governance Standards. NHS boards are subject to audit and are required to sign a Statement on Internal Control that includes compliance with these standards. This should ensure that appropriate disciplinary procedures are applied in respect of failures to apply appropriate guidance by NHS bodies and their staff.
Information on disciplinary action resulting from cases of medical negligence is not held centrally.
Patient safety is a major strategic development priority for NHS Scotland. The Scottish Patient Safety Alliance and Programme will systematically aim to reduce harm to patients as a result of health care interventions. This is the first time that a patient safety programme will have been implemented across a whole health care system, and it signals the Scottish Government''s absolute determination to secure improvements for those using the NHS, and for those who work in it.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S3W-12661 by reference.