NHS compensation scheme

Under the NHS Redress Bill 2005 a redress scheme will be introduced in 2007/08 to cover compensation claims of up to £20,000. The intention is to avoid patients having to go to court to get compensation because of errors by NHS staff. Staff will be encouraged to report mistakes, taking the onus off patients to initiate claims. The financial compensation is not appropriate; patients will have the right to require an investigation, explanation, apology or remedial care. Patients will be entitled to opt out of the scheme if they would prefer to take their claim to court.