NHS Redress Bill [Lords]

It is obvious that we all make mistakes in our working lives and at home. Admitting that fact is incredibly important for us. As for the NHS, it is not surprising that with more than £70 billion of taxpayers’ money being spent on that organisation, mistakes happen and people are even negligent and cause harm to others. That is why I am a firm supporter of the redress scheme—not in its present form, but in its simplified form that went to the House of Lords before amendments were made to the Bill. I am surprised that accidents do not happen more often. As a nurse of 25 years in the NHS, it is due only to the people who are dedicated and who do their jobs to the highest standard that the NHS manages to keep accidents and negligence to what I believe to be a minimum. However, if there are accidents and negligence, it is right that there is proper redress. I believe that the scheme will lead to ensuring that there is fairness and consistency in decision making. It is most important that there is faster decision making. The scheme will encourage a willingness for members of staff to speak out when they believe that something has gone wrong.