The UK government and NHS England have come under intense scrutiny for their inadequate response to the escalating costs associated with clinical negligence, a crisis that has been brewing for over two decades. A report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) reveals that despite repeated warnings, there has been a notable absence of meaningful action to address this pressing issue. The report highlights that liabilities for medical negligence have surged to an alarming £60 billion since 2006-07, with annual settlement costs skyrocketing to £3.6 billion.
A System in Crisis
The PAC’s findings paint a stark picture of a healthcare system that is increasingly unable to protect patients from avoidable harm. Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, chairman of the PAC, expressed deep concern over the lack of progress, stating that clinical negligence represents one of the most significant financial liabilities to the government. Yet, he emphasised that the problem extends far beyond mere numbers.
“Each case of clinical negligence signifies profound suffering for the victims involved. The rising costs divert crucial resources away from frontline care that desperately needs it,” he remarked. The committee’s report underscores a pressing need for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to take decisive action to mitigate the underlying causes of patient harm, which they claim has been sorely lacking.
Urgent Call for Change
Amidst the increasing financial burden, the PAC has issued a call for the DHSC to deliver a comprehensive plan outlining how it intends to reduce both harm and the associated costs in maternity care. Recent figures reveal that claims related to brain injuries sustained at birth alone amounted to over £1.5 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year. The PAC’s report also identifies significant issues within maternity services, where tragic failings have contributed to the growing trend of negligence claims.
Baroness Valerie Amos has recently initiated a National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation to scrutinise failings at twelve trusts. The PAC has urged the DHSC to publish the findings of the Amos Review within two months, along with a strategy for improvement.
Government’s Response
In response to the mounting criticism, a spokesperson for the DHSC stated that the government has inherited an NHS that has been failing many patients. They highlighted measures that have been implemented to enhance patient safety, including the overhaul of the Care Quality Commission and the introduction of new safety protocols.
“We have taken rapid action to strengthen patient safety… for the first time in years, we’ve put the NHS back on firm financial ground,” the spokesperson claimed, emphasising a commitment to make the NHS the safest healthcare system in the world. However, many remain sceptical about whether these measures are sufficient to tackle the underlying issues that have led to the current crisis.
The Human Cost of Negligence
The emotional toll of clinical negligence cannot be overstated. Each claim represents the heartbreak of individuals and families who have faced life-altering consequences due to failings in healthcare. The PAC has noted that the government’s inaction over the years has left many victims feeling neglected and unheard.
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown articulated the urgency of reform, stating, “For those harmed by the outcomes of this system, the time for change has long since come and gone.” The committee is hopeful that their recommendations, along with other reviews, will spur the government and NHS to fulfil their responsibility to prevent further harm.
Why it Matters
The rising costs of clinical negligence not only threaten the financial stability of the NHS but also reflect a deeper issue of accountability within the healthcare system. As families continue to suffer the consequences of medical errors, it becomes increasingly clear that urgent reforms are necessary. The failure to act decisively risks eroding public trust in the healthcare system and jeopardising the safety of patients across the nation. The time for meaningful change is now.
