NHS REDRESS BILL

• Introduction of an NHS Redress Scheme to provide a speedy and appropriate response when something goes wrong and provide compensation where appropriate.

TERRITORIAL EXTENT

The National Assembly of Wales is still considering whether the provisions should be extended to Wales. The Scottish Executive does not intend to take forward proposals at this time.

COMMENTS

If you have any comments on the proposals you can email them to:

chris.bostock@doh.gsi.gov.uk

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• The NHS Redress Scheme builds on a commitment made in the 2001 manifesto to reform the current clinical negligence system and the proposals set out in the Chief Medical Officer's report, "Making Amends".
• The proposed NHS Redress Scheme for Severely Neurologically Impaired Babies, as proposed in the consultation Making Amends, is not now going ahead.  In September 2004, the National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services ("the Children's NSF") was published. This is a ten year plan which is intended to raise standards by long term and sustained improvement in the health, social and educational services for all children and young people.  General improvements in the standards of care for all children will be made via the NSF and any proposals for legislation will support services for all disabled children. In due course, proposals for improving services for all disabled children will be set out, and this will be taken forward separately from the NHS Redress Bill.