Clause 6
NHS Redress Bill [Lords]
4:00 pm
Andy Burnham (Minister of State (Delivery and Quality), Department of Health; Leigh, Labour)
I hope that the hon. Gentleman will develop that train of thought, because I do not believe it possible to say that the proposal will not increase bureaucracy. We have in mind a single, unified scheme whereby the NHS can provide a fast-track settlement system out of court, so that redress can be provided to individuals who seek it for harm done in the course of their health care.
Clause 12 and the related amendments seek to create a split in that scheme, in that an army of investigators would be accountable to the Healthcare Commission, and, separately, the NHS Litigation Authority would examine the findings of their work and be responsible for them. Will the hon. Gentleman tell me in clear terms how those proposals do not add a layer and a brake in the scheme? I would be grateful if he explained. As far as I can see, they clearly do.