Clinical negligence payouts by Redbridge’s health trust are the second highest in the country, newly released figures reveal.
In 109 claims, £11.1million was paid out by Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) in the 2010/11 financial year.
Of that, £4.7million was paid out for failings in maternity care.
The figures have been described as “extreme” and “very concerning” by Ilford North Conservative MP Lee Scott.
The data, published by the NHS Litigation Authority – which handles negligence claims on behalf of NHS bodies – also reveal £421,000 was paid out for non clinical claims, which can be made by the public or employees.
In 2009/10, the total paid out by the trust in clinical damages was £9.2million, and in 2008/09 £5.1million.
BHRUT’s total debt currently stands at £150million.
Mr Scott said: “This is something I’ve been looking at for a number of years. Sadly, BHRUT has always been very high when it comes to negligence payouts.
“It’s of great concern and the current Care Quality Commission (CQC) investigation going on will hopefully rectify this.”
He added: “It’s not a question of being too generous, it’s a question of paying before it goes to court.”
The CQC full investigation, which began earlier this month, has been launched because the regulator “keep finding problems” during unannounced visits to both King George Hospital, Barley Lane, Goodmayes and Queen’s Hospital, Romford.
Labour Ilford North MP Mike Gapes said: “It’s really a matter of serious concern.
“But we should remember a lot of people get good quality care there.”
Both MPs said confidentiality agreements meant it would not be possible to get details of many individuals payouts by the trust.
A BHRUT spokeswoman said the figures were as a result of the number of people it treats, rather than levels of patient care.
She added: This trust is one of the largest and busiest in the NHS and also offers regional services such as cancer and neurosurgery.
“This, coupled with having one of the largest maternity units in England, can lead to high-cost settlements.”
source: london24.com
Medical Negligence London
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