NHS Resolution have published a report this week which provides a review of the first year of the Clinical Negligence Scheme for General Practice (CNSGP).

What is the CNSGP?

CNSGP is the indemnity scheme managed by NHS Resolution, which covers the NHS work of general practice in England for incidents occurring from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020.

NHS Resolution’s Chief Executive Helen Vernon has said that “This report aims to understand why harm occurs in general practice and share that knowledge with primary care colleagues, so healthcare can be improved, reducing opportunities for incidents to arise.”

What does the CNSGP tell us?

There were a total of 401 cases reported to the CNSGP scheme between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020. Clinical negligence cases associated with general practice accounted for 3.4% of the new claims NHS Resolution received that year.

The report identified that quicker and more accurate diagnosis, and improved prescribing processes could result in better patient outcomes.

The most common case notifications were for:

  • Cancer (9.3%)

  • Cardiac (7.3%)

  • Sepsis (5.3%)

Recommendations made:

The key recommendations made respond to 3 initial themes highlighted in the report:

  1. Delay or failure to diagnose (this features in 43.5% of CNSGP cases)

  2. Medication errors (18.5%)

  3. Delay/failure to refer (10%)

The report itself makes numerous recommendations in relation to the 3 themes highlighted with recommendations both locally and nationally. Read the full report here.

Where medical negligence has occurred, it is important that this is investigated thoroughly in order to provide answers for those involved. Medical negligence cases are often complex and take time to conclude given the difficult nature and potential high value. We pride ourselves on offering the best legal service, compassionately guiding individuals on what are often emotional journeys.

For a free, no-obligation assessment of your case, please get in touch with our specialist medical negligence claims solicitors on 0845 287 0939, contact us by email, or through the online chat below.