Millions paid out in negligence claims by NHS Trust running Dewsbury hospital

Someone can bring a claim against an NHS trust if it is believed they, or a family member, suffered harm or died due to negligent treatment.

Data from NHS Resolution, which handles such cases on behalf of the NHS, reveals 96 clinical negligence claims against Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust were successful in 2019-20.

A total damages bill of £5.6 million was paid out in relation to these claims over the year, while further legal costs totalled £829,447. Successful claims against the trust were up four per cent compared to the 92 reported in 2018-19, when £9.4 million was paid in damages.

The Medical Defence Union, which provides support and advice for doctors, dentists and other healthcare workers, warned the number of claims against the NHS could increase following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Michael Devlin, the union’s head of professional standards and liaison, said: “Every example of negligence takes its toll on the patients and families involved, but the compensation being paid out puts pressure on NHS funding, especially at a time when the NHS needs to recover from the pandemic.”