NHS medical negligence persisting in England ‘despite 24 years of warnings’

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Denis Campbell Health policy editorJanuary 30, 2026 at 01:01 AM

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A UK parliamentary report reveals that medical negligence within the NHS continues to harm patients despite 24 years of warnings. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) criticizes the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England for failing to address the underlying causes of patient harm. The cost of medical negligence has ballooned to £3.6 billion annually, diverting funds from frontline care. Government liability for clinical negligence has quadrupled since 2006-07, reaching £60 billion in 2024-25. The PAC highlights "unacceptable stasis" in maternity care as a prime example, citing multiple maternity scandals. The NHS is reportedly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of recommendations from various bodies aimed at improving patient safety.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Nottingham 30% Shrewsbury and Telford 30% East Kent 30% Morecambe Bay 30% Valerie Amos 40% Wes Streeting 50% Geoffrey Clifton-Brown ×260% Public Accounts Committee ×470% England ×270% Department of Health and Social Care ×380% NHS England ×390%

Keywords

medical negligence 100% nhs 90% patient safety 80% clinical negligence 70% maternity care 70% department of health and social care 60% public accounts committee 60% patient harm 50% avoidable harm 50% healthcare 40%