NHS Resolution

UK government body responsible for handling claims and disputes in the NHS

NHS Resolution logo

NHS Resolution is a non-departmental public body of the Department of Health and Social Care in the United Kingdom. It is responsible for handling negligence claims and resolving disputes within the National Health Service (NHS) in England. NHS Resolution provides expertise in resolving concerns and disputes fairly, sharing learning for improvement, and preserving resources for patient care.

History

NHS Resolution was established in 1995 as the NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA). Its primary role was to manage claims against the NHS and to provide advice and support to NHS bodies on handling claims. In 2017, the organization was rebranded as NHS Resolution to reflect its broader role in resolving disputes and learning from claims to improve patient safety.

Functions

NHS Resolution operates several key functions:

Claims Management

NHS Resolution manages claims for compensation on behalf of the NHS in England. This includes clinical negligence claims, which arise from allegations of substandard care leading to patient harm, and non-clinical claims, such as those related to employment or property damage.

Dispute Resolution

The organization provides alternative dispute resolution services to help resolve conflicts without the need for litigation. This includes mediation and other forms of negotiation to settle disputes amicably.

Learning and Improvement

NHS Resolution analyzes data from claims to identify trends and areas for improvement in patient safety. It shares this learning with NHS organizations to help prevent future incidents and improve the quality of care.

Advice and Support

NHS Resolution offers advice and support to NHS bodies on risk management and claims handling. This includes guidance on best practices and strategies to minimize the risk of claims.

Structure

NHS Resolution is governed by a board of directors, which includes a chairperson and non-executive directors. The board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization and ensuring it meets its objectives. The day-to-day operations are managed by a chief executive and a team of senior managers.

Impact

NHS Resolution plays a crucial role in maintaining the financial stability of the NHS by managing claims effectively and reducing the costs associated with litigation. By promoting learning from claims, it also contributes to improving patient safety and the quality of care provided by the NHS.

Related pages

• National Health Service (England)
• Department of Health and Social Care
• Clinical negligence
• Alternative dispute resolution