Medical negligence news
08/10/2007

NHS improvements to coincide with anniversary

The government is calling for desperate measures to improve access to GPs and put an end to the potentially deadly hospital bugs such as MRSA which are leading to a myriad of medical negligence claims.

Plans were revealed in an interim review of the NHS led by health minister and practising surgeon, Lord Ara Darzi, the final report of which is expected next year.

Cases of medical negligence are likely to be reduced if doctors are more available and less rushed when seeing patients. A budget has been set aside for the opening of 100 extra practices in less privileged areas of the country and a range of polyclinics that will offer a variety of services and stay open seven days a week.

There has also been a request for GPs to open existing practices on Saturday mornings or in the evenings. This comes after doctors were allowed to opt out of providing out-of-hours care in 2004.

Likewise, reducing the kinds of infection that can be traced back to hospital cleanliness might also cut medical negligence claims. Screening for MRSA is to be made compulsory for all patients in England. This is due to start next year and be gradually introduced over the next three years.

A call for improvement has been linked with the NHS's approaching 60th anniversary and Prime Minister Gordon Brown has commented, "I think it is an occasion not just to celebrate the NHS, but to renew it for future years."

The government have warned that they are willing to see funds used to invite providers from the private sector unless NHS GPs are more amenable to change.

Deputy Chairman of the British Medical Association's GPs, committee, Dr Richard Vautrey, has commented, "Any changes must not undermine the quality of service that practices are already providing."

However, Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has retorted, "Bringing forward Darzi's findings so soon is yet another example of this government using our NHS as a political football.

"How can NHS professional feel confident and how can patients feel safe when they know that this report must have been cobbled together without consideration for clinical evidence."

Whereas Health Secretary Alan Johnston commented, "This is a massive investment in primary care provision and will benefit millions of patients."

It remains to be seen whether patients do actually benefit and whether a decrease in medical negligence and related compensation claims results.