A RECENT report has revealed Gloucestershire NHS Trust has paid out nearly £4 million for A&E negligence claims since 2019.

Figures obtained by Medical Negligence Assist showed over the past five years, the Trust has paid out a total of £3,885,053, with the highest annual amount paid in 2023/24, amounting to £1,800,429.

JF Law said negligence can occur when a medical professional fails to provide care or treatment to the expected standard, with some examples including failing to listen to the patient’s symptoms or conducting an improper examination.

Sophie Cope, medical negligence solicitor for JF Law said: "The growing rate of negligence in A&E services brings into sharp focus a deeply concerning trend within our National Health Service.

“With over 6,000 claims being made against Trusts in the past five years, this represents thousands of individuals who have suffered harm at a time when they were most vulnerable and seeking urgent care.

“The amount of money Trusts have had to pay out in compensation reflects the severe impact these incidents have had on patients' lives, ranging from increased periods of pain and suffering to life-changing injuries.”

From 2019 to 2024, 41 claims regarding A&E negligence were lodged against Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 28 of which were settled.

The second-highest number of claims was made in 2019/20, when nine were filed against the Trust. The Trust has also seen a rise in the number of claims over the past year, compared to 2022/23, with a total of 16.

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services from two large district general hospitals; Cheltenham General and Gloucestershire Royal.

Medical Negligence Assist offers support to patients as a result of A&E negligence. More information about them can be found online.