Government launches birth injuries compensation scheme

A new government compensation scheme has been launched to support parents in England who children are injured at birth.

The new Rapid Resolution and Redress scheme, which is out for consultation, would investigate the 500 cases of avoidable harm to babies, during birth, which happen each year in England.

The voluntary scheme is aimed at settling complaints more quickly and allowing medical staff to speak openly about maternity care failing and learn from mistakes.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt outlined that families often have to wait more than 11 years for a court settlement.

However, he insisted that parents who believe medical errors have caused severe damage to their children, such as cerebral palsy or brain damage, would still be able to take their cases to court if they wanted to.

The NHS spent more than £500 million last year on resolving legal disputes after mistakes by maternity staff.

Commenting on the new measure, Hunt maintained that NHS maternity staff did a ‘fantastic job under huge pressure’.

He added: "But even though we have made much progress, our stillbirth rates are still amongst the highest in Western Europe. Many on the frontline say there is still too much of a blame culture when things go wrong - often caused by fear of litigation or worry about damage to reputation and careers."

Clea Harmer, chief executive of Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal charity, said: "We're delighted that the importance of a clear national strategy for a sustained reduction in deaths has been recognised, and resources have been committed to achieve this.

"We pay tribute to the parents across the country who, by speaking out about their personal experience of bereavement, have helped us raise awareness that much more can and should be done.

"Their voices must continue to be heard as these new measures are rolled out.”