Insurance row may hit malpractice claims

VICTIMS of medical malpractice suing hospital consultants for compensation could see their cases delayed by a dispute between the main medical insurer and the Department of Health.

The British-based Medical Defence Union (MDU), which insures most Irish consultants, has told the department it is withdrawing cover from an obstetrician facing a court hearing in the autumn.

The MDU is taking the stance to try to pressure Health Minister Micheál Martin into a more favourable pay-off package when the state takes over as insurer for all hospitals and consultants later this year. Sources said talks between the two sides had hit "breakdown".