NHS birth injury payouts soar to £1 Billion

09 June 2009

Reports in the press indicate that medical accidents relating to pregnancy and birth complications have cost the NHS £947 million since 1995. This accounts for almost half of the £2.1 billion paid out as a result of all medical accidents in that time.

The payouts reflect the substantial costs of lifetime care that is often essential for children who have suffered a birth injury, which can lead to brain damage, cerebral palsy or developmental delays.

Although the birthrate has risen by 16% since 2001, equivalent to an additional 90,000 births, NHS spending on maternity services in England was cut by £55 million in 2006/07. The Royal College of Midwives has expressed their concern, saying that given the increasing costs of birth-related medical accidents, it is a false economy to cut back on maternity care.

The government’s policy document ‘Maternity Matters’ promises women dedicated care from a midwife by the end of 2009 and has pledged £330 million to implement the scheme. However, media reports suggest that NHS trusts are having difficulty identifying specific funding that was promised over three years. The Royal College of Midwives reports that many of its members are overstretched and overworked, sometimes being required to deal with three women at once.

If you have suffered from a birth or pregnancy complication and would like to speak to someone, please call the Medical Accident Claimline on 0800 3288923.