NHS Resolution continues to drive down litigation

NHS Resolution Annual Report and Accounts Published for 2021/22, sets out how its innovative dispute resolution strategy has continued to drive down litigation against the NHS in England. A record 77% of claims were resolved in 2021/22 without court proceedings, continuing the year-on-year reduction for the last five years, and in line with NHS Resolution’s strategy to keep patients and healthcare staff out of court. The reduction in litigation has not, however, been at the expense of a less rigorous approach to investigation.

NHS Resolution’s flagship Early Notification Scheme for maternity incidents is reported in detail as it entered its fifth year of accelerating the investigation of brain injury sustained at birth, supported by a new patient advisory group.

Chief Executive of NHS Resolution, Helen Vernon, says: “Court proceedings can be distressing for patients and the NHS staff who care for them, as well as costly. The continued fall in litigation driven by innovation in dispute resolution and a more cooperative approach across the legal market is to be welcomed.”

To read NHS Resolution’s report visit:

https://resolution.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NHS-Resolution-Annual-report-and-accounts-2021_22_Access.pdf