Clinical negligence waiting times raise serious questions about how cases are handled

Margaret Mitchell, Scottish Conservative MSP for Central Scotland, has uncovered worrying new statistics concerning the average and longest time taken for clinical negligence claims to be settled.

Margaret Mitchell MSP says:

"Some of these findings are absolutely astounding. In the case of Greater Glasgow and Clyde the longest period for a negligence claim to be settled was a staggering 21 years!

"This was closely followed by Forth Valley, where the longest claim dated back approximately 20 years. In Lanarkshire the longest period was 16 years, Lothians 15 years, Fife 14 years and Ayrshire and Arran, Boarders, and Tayside, 12 years.

"Furthermore, a claim against the Scottish Government has taken 11 years to settle. Whilst the nature of these claims is not specified, what is clear is that for the individuals concerned they have had to live with for many years with the negligence incident hanging over their heads, and without closure for an unacceptably long period of time.

"In light of these figures, serious questions must be asked about the operation and efficiency of the Central Legal Office, as well as how individual NHS Boards and indeed the Scottish Government handles these claims."

Back to all posts