Thank you for contacting me about the cost of GP indemnity.
I would like to start by recognising the indispensable work done by our GPs in the NHS. General Practice is the bedrock of our NHS, and essential to so many local communities.
I know that the Government is committed to building a thoroughly patient-driven NHS. Enabling patients to make claims of clinical or GP negligence is central to this, as it maintains trust and accountability in the NHS. That is why, in February 2017, the Lord Chancellor announced a change to the personal injury discount rate.
However, the Department of Health has recognised the potential consequences this change may have for GPs. I agree that GPs must feel supported by the Government and the Health Service, and I am therefore encouraged that the Government has stated in the General Practice Forward View, that GPs will not bear the cost of increased indemnity, this will be borne by the Government. The Government invested an additional £30 million into covering indemnity costs for 2016-17, and I understand that a further sum of approximately £30 million will be made available for the next financial year.
In light of the increasing costs of claims since February 2017 the Department for Health and NHS England are considering a number of policies to address rising indemnity costs, and will continue to work closely with GPs and the Medical Defence Organisations to ensure that appropriate funding is provided sustainably, for the long term. You may be pleased to hear that NHS England has recently announced plans to help out-of-hours GP services throughout the winter by making an extra £10 million available for indemnity costs. This scheme is running from October to April 2018, and will enable doctors to commit to more out of hours sessions, which are so important for patient care in the winter. I understand that this is a short-term solution, but I would like to assure you that the Government is developing a long-term answer to the issue of rising indemnity costs.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
