Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has today launched a new compensation scheme for parents whose baby is left disabled following negligence at birth.
Hoping the NHS will learn from its mistakes, Mr Hunt insists the new scheme will encourage staff to be open about mistakes as well as putting an end to the long court battles some parents have to face.
Expecting around 500 cases a year, the Government hopes the new Rapid Resolution and Redress Scheme will put an end to the litigation culture within the NHS.
Currently parents must begin legal proceedings against the NHS Trust if they feel that mistakes have been made.
However, under the new scheme, any claim would be investigated by independent investigators who will then present their findings to a panel of experts.
They will then decide if any compensation is due.
"Our stillbirth rates are still amongst the highest in Western Europe and 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," Mr Hunt said, according to the Mail Online.
"These comprehensive measures will give practical support to help trusts improve their approach to safety – and help to foster an open and transparent culture so that the courts become a last resort not an automatic first step."
Parents are still within their right to pursue their case through the courts if they are not happy with any outcomes.
