The Welsh Liberal Democrats have unearthed figures that show that over £171million has been handed out by Welsh Health Boards to patients and their relatives due to 'clinical negligence' since 2011.
These staggering sums of money were uncovered after the Welsh Liberal Democrats raised the issue of payouts by the NHS due to poor care. The Welsh Labour Health Minister's response revealed the true scale of the issue.
'Clinical negligence' is the process by which a patient takes his medical attendants to a civil court for compensation. In total, since 2011-12, the NHS in Wales has paid out £171m.
Kirsty Williams, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said: "£171million is an eye watering amount of money to be handing out to patients because of mistakes. It's particularly disappointing that this huge amount of money will no longer be available to fund frontline care.
"Obviously, those who received the payments did so properly and it is right that they are compensated for harm done to themselves or their family, but it is disturbing nevertheless that the payments needed to be made in the first place. The Welsh Labour Government needs to look at the root causes triggering these payouts.
"Of course NHS staff work incredibly hard and generally do a terrific job. But when mistakes are made, it's essential that lessons are learnt.
"The Welsh Liberal Democrats will continue to hold this Welsh Labour Government to account so that all patients get the treatment they deserve."
In your area - how much was spent?
| Health Board | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | Total |
| Abertawe Bro Morgannwg | £9,845,150 | £10,920,227 | £12,758,197 | £33,523,574 |
| Aneurin Bevan | £7,972,473 | £12,366,590 | £12,355,211 | £32,694,274 |
| Betsi Cadwaladr | £12,624,152 | £6,340,836 | £9,593,651 | £28,558,639 |
| Cardiff and Vale | £5,445,093 | £14,038,585 | £6,208,234 | £25,691,912 |
| Cwm Taf | £4,333,093 | £7,293,607 | £11,815,580 | £23,442,280 |
| Hywel Dda | £4,747,746 | £6,549,638 | £5,691,121 | £16,988,505 |
| Powys | £0 | £19,000 | £227,000 | £246,000 |
Abertawe Bro Morgannwg covers Swansea, the Gower, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend
Aneurin Bevan covers Monmouthshire, Newport, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent, and Torfaen
Betsi Cadwaladr covers all of north Wales
Cwm Taf covers Rhondda Cynon Taff and Merthyr Tydfil
Hywel Dda covers Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire
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