Our previous work in this area

House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts - Costs of clinical negligence

In 2025, the House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts, commonly known as the Public Accounts Committee, launched an inquiry into the costs of clinical negligence . In the call for evidence, the committee was interested to know what has contributed to the costs.

In written evidence, APIL told the committee that delays in delivering redress to injured patients and the rising cost of social care are driving the NHS' compensation bill. APIL also warned against possible reforms, which could put at risk an injured patient's recovery.

APIL's written evidence

House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee inquiry - NHS litigation reform

In September 2021 the House of Commons Health and Social Care Select Committee launched an inquiry into NHS litigation reform . The call for evidence from the committee included questions about “blame culture”, possible changes to NHS litigation, and how to improve learning.

In written evidence to the committee, APIL called for a more joined-up approach to patient safety, and recommended that the new Patient Safety Commissioner is given a wider remit to include all areas of patient safety, and act as a link between patients, regulators, the NHS, and policy-makers. APIL also warned against changes which would result in injured patients being under-compensated. This warning was later repeated by APIL executive committee member Guy Forster during an oral evidence session with the committee.

APIL’s written evidence to the committee

Transcript of the oral evidence provided by APIL executive committee member Guy Forster to the committee - 13 January 2022

Health and Social Care Committee report - NHS litigation reform