Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy has uncovered that over a 22 month period the total sum paid out due to negligence by medical professionals in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board was nearly £75,000.
Between 2023 and October 31st 2024, the total compensation paid to patients for medical negligence claims upheld by the Ombudsman amounted to £74,588. This sum is divided across two years, with £47,838 paid in 2023/24 for three cases and £26,750 paid so far in 2024/25, also covering three cases.
The break down of the cases can be seen below:
Case - Outcome - Payments as part of the PSOW recommendations.
1 - Early Resolution Proposal - £200 Time and trouble payment.
2 - Early Resolution Proposal - No payment made
3 - Full Investigation - £250 in recognition of the failures identified in the SIR
4 - Early Resolution Proposal - £100 Time and trouble payment
5 - Early Resolution Proposal - No payment made
6 - Early Resolution Proposal - £100 Time and trouble payment
Commenting on the news Janet said:
“Sadly, this highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Betsi Health Board. Nearly £75,000 in compensation is a significant sum, and it is likely that a large portion of the 2023/24 total stemmed from case 3, which necessitated a full investigation.
“Of course compensation is not uncommon but we know that Betsi Health Board is really up against it at the moment and cracks are showing.
“My understanding is that doctors, nurses and staff are extremely stretched and working in incredibly hard conditions. Thus, mistakes are clearly more likely to happen.
“The NHS waiting list in Wales is equivalent to 1 in 4 of the population, with the total now reaching over 800,000 – the highest on record.
“We need more support from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care and we need more support from the Welsh and UK Governments to help Betsi get back on its feet.
“We not only need funding, but we need solutions to deal with the terrible waiting lists across North Wales. Two-year waits have increased for five consecutive months."
ENDS
