Scotland considers no fault compensation for medical injuries

Patients in Scotland who are injured in the course of medical treatment could be entitled to swift no fault compensation in future, under plans the Scottish government is considering.1

The proposals, which are open for consultation until November 23, follow recommendations by an expert group chaired by Sheila McLean, emeritus professor of law and ethics in medicine at Glasgow University.2

Scottish ministers asked the group to consider whether a no fault scheme should be introduced and whether it could exist alongside existing clinical negligence arrangements for compensation through the courts.

The group, which reported in February …