Reacting to the recent publication of the on the Department for Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) Accounts 2023-24, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh said:
“We are naturally concerned with the PAC’s view that 'little progress has been made in improving patient safety and reducing the significant cost of litigation to the NHS in England.
“The PAC found that £2.8bn had been paid in medical negligence claims last year and £58.2bn has been set aside to cover the potential cost of future clinical negligence events. Whilst the vast majority of care in our NHS is safe and highly regarded internationally, behind each litigation case is an individual who has suffered personal harm. Therefore, we share Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP’s view that the NHS must further improve the standard of care for the people it is designed to serve."
“The NHS is a complex organisation and as such, there are many varied factors that can influence patient outcomes. All those involved in healthcare provision must always strive to keep the incidence of harm as low as possible, focusing on safe, patient-centred care."
"To reiterate, most NHS care is safe. However, more can and should be done to address the concerns raised by the PAC."
"Therefore, the forthcoming Ten Year Plan needs to include a roadmap with clear actions to improve patient safety across the NHS and ensure much needed funds are directed towards frontline services rather on legal fees and payouts.â€