Trusts pay over £1bn in surgery error compensation

NHS trusts have paid out over £1bn in compensation for surgery errors since 2019, new research has found.

(c) National Cancer Institute/Unsplash

(c) National Cancer Institute/Unsplash

The figures obtained by Medical Negligence Assist showed the highest claim between 2019 and 2024 was £263,511,399.

Medical negligence solicitor for JF Law, Gareth Lloyd, said: ‘The chances of a patient suffering a surgical error are remote, yet every operation carries with it a number of risks, and if something goes wrong, there can be lifelong consequences.'

Medical Negligence Assist said 12,000 medicolegal claims were brought against the NHS in England every year, costing £8bn, or 6.7% of the NHS England budget.

From 2019 to 2024, 11,405 claims regarding surgical errors were lodged against NHS Trusts, 8,400 of which were settled.

You can find out more about Medical Negligence Assist's research and statistics here: https://www.medicalnegligenceassist.co.uk

Snooping NHS staff face immediate suspension

Snooping NHS staff face immediate suspension

By Lee Peart 28 September 2026

NHS staff suspected of improperly accessing patients’ medical records will face immediate suspension, NHS England chief executive Sir Jim Mackey has announce...

THE BIG INTERVIEW: Neighbourhood health through a cancer lens

By Lee Peart 21 September 2026

Director of communities & system partnerships, Heather McLean, shares how Macmillan Cancer Support is seeking to act as a conduit for neighbourhood health.

NHS digital delivery not matching ambition in Wales, finds auditor

By Lee Peart 18 September 2026

NHS digital delivery in Wales is not matching the scale of ambition with funding pressures, ageing systems and workforce gaps holding progress back.


Popular articles by Lee Peart