Clinical negligence victims ‘should get compensation’

Posted 17/09/2009

People who are victims of medical blunders should be entitled to receive damages, the government has stated.

Victims of clinical negligence should be entitled to claim compensation from the health service, according to the government.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health stated that if mistakes are made by the NHS, it is right that patients receive an apology and damages where appropriate.

Speaking to the Guardian, the representative said anyone who uses NHS services should be given the best possible treatment.

“Patients deserve high quality healthcare from their NHS,” he commented.

“We are one of the world leaders in the international drive to improve the safety of healthcare.”

The spokesperson added that the “vast majority” of those who are treated by the NHS every year do experience a high standard of care, as medical blunders are very rare.

This comes after Liberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb told the Daily Mail that doctors and nurses are making mistakes because they are facing considerable pressure to meet government targets.