NHS sets up £1.3 billion pot for medical negligence claims linked to Covid-19 pandemic
The NHS has set aside £1.3 billion to cope with compensation claims arising from the pandemic this year with claims for treatment delays, cancellations and misdiagnosis expected.
Since April 2022, England and Wales have experienced more than 28,000 excess deaths unrelated to Covid with heart problems, diabetes and cancer deaths rising significantly.
Experts believe that many of these deaths will have arisen because people weren't diagnosed or treated promptly as the NHS effectively shut down in 2020 for conditions other than Covid.
Analysis points to 22,000 fewer patients undergoing cancer treatment
In particular, fewer patients were receiving treatment for cancer, whether that was because cancer screening was so disrupted, cases were de-prioritised or because there was a reluctance by some to seek medical advice during lockdown.
Analysis suggests that at least 22,000 fewer patients have undergone cancer treatment than would have been expected since the start of the pandemic.
Consequences of Covid on care could be felt for some time
The decision by NHSR to set aside £1.3 billion for future clinical negligence claims indicates that there's an anticipation that the unintended consequences of Covid restrictions will continue for some time, and that these claims are likely to succeed.
Experts have commented that given the current scale of excess deaths from many conditions including cancer and cardiovascular disease, £1.3 billion may not be enough.
It is anticipated that the number of claims relating to deaths and avoidable injuries will increase because of the delays in treatment throughout 2020 and 2021. Many individuals are only just realising the consequences of not being seen much sooner.
Vital patients continue to seek medical help but those with questions need to receive answers
Irwin Mitchell is medical negligence specialists and act for many families in claims resulting from delays in diagnosis and treatment.
While Covid-19 has had a huge impact on the healthcare system, it's vital that people continue to seek medical advice and participate in programmes, such as for cancer screening.
Some patients who have received a life-changing diagnosis during recent months will understandably have a number of concerns about whether more could have been done to detect their illness sooner. It's crucial that they now receive the help and support they require, not only to ensure they have access to treatment as soon as possible, but also so they can establish answers to their concerns.
Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people following care issues at our dedicated medical negligence section.
The NHS has set aside £1.3 billion to cope with compensation claims arising from the pandemic this year with claims for treatment delays, cancellations and misdiagnosis expected.
An annual report from NHS Resolution, which deals with patient disputes, shows that the health service anticipates it will need to pay out more than a billion pounds to settle claims arising from poor service during Covid.”
