NHS negligence claims: £2.7bn cost prompts renewed calls for system reform

Payments for clinical negligence in the NHS in England rose by 9.5% in 2022-23 to almost £2.7bn, according to the latest report from NHS Resolution, the body that handles claims.1

The increase, driven by a rise in the number of high value claims, has prompted renewed calls for reform of clinical negligence litigation.

The figure reflects the high cost of maternity claims, with lifelong support needed for babies with devastating birth injuries. Recent reports have highlighted avoidable deaths and injuries at several NHS trusts.

Although obstetric cases accounted for only 13% of clinical claims reported in 2022-23, they accounted …