Between 2008-2009, NHS trusts in both Cheshire, and Merseyside, were forced to payout compensation claims totalling more than £25 million pounds. This sizeable amount is the result of 294 claims that were made in the space of a year, relating to various institutions within the region, according to the Liverpool Daily Post.

 

Whilst many of these claims make up a relatively small percentage of the £25 million total, one case in relation to Warrington & Halton Hospitals saw a payout of £5.5 million. Another case, this time in Arrow Park Hospital, brought about compensation of £3.9 million for the victim. 

 

When questioned about the unusually high levels of negligence within the area, a spokesperson from the Department of Health stated that ‘Individuals should always receive high quality healthcare from the NHS. However, if patients do not receive the treatment they should, and mistakes are made, it is right they are compensated and have access to legal representation.’ 

 

During a three year period (2006-2009) the NHS has spent monies in excess of £60 million on settling cases of clinical negligence, with gynaecology and obstetrics departments accounting for half of this.