MLA highlighting negligence cases

One Northern Ireland family's negligence case lasted 27 years while 55 others have been ongoing for longer than 15 years, it's been revealed.

Sinn Fein's John O'Dowd brought the figures to public attention following a question to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Mr O'Dowd said he knew personally of one family who had been waiting 16 years for their medical negligence case to be heard.

"They are seeking compensation for their son who has been left severely disabled after medical treatment went wrong," he said.

"The case is continually cancelled just before it reaches court, leaving the family in limbo."

Mr O'Dowd said he had only been provided with the cost of legal fees for the past two years - almost 2m - but the figures for 27 years "could be frightening.”

The Written Reply reveals the board has paid out legal fees amounting to 233,459 for cases ongoing for 15-plus years, 140,595 for cases initiated 11 to 15 years ago and 81,159 for cases taken in the past 5-10 years.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety said:"The department is keen to ensure that cases of clinical negligence are kept to a minimum, and that those who have suffered harm as a result are properly compensated for it."

The board said: "No medical negligence cases, active for any considerable length of time, have incurred unnecessary costs to the public.”