Making amends for negligence

Current system operates well, but reforms are still needed

That doctors are more likely to be sued for negligence now than they have been in the past is undeniable. In particular, in the 1980s and 1990s the number of claims steadily increased, relativeto the number of treatment episodes. The reasons for this are by no means clear but probably include elements of a cultural shift in attitudes to the medical profession and the growth of the legalservices “industry.” More contentious, however, is whether this change represents a good or a bad thing, and what if anything needs to be done about it. The chief medical officer's consultation paper, “Making Amends,” starts from a premise that something does need to be done, and it puts forward suggestions for reform, including fast track arrangements for smaller cases, but stopping shortof a full no fault scheme for all patients.1 Two contributors to this issue have reacted to the chief medical officer's …