State agency prevented from cutting compo costs

Fionnan Sheahan, Political Reporter

All medical claims made against hospitals since July 1 are supposed to be dealt with by the State Claims Agency (SCA), but red tape in the Department of Health has exposed taxpayers to much higher compensation pay-outs and legal bills as the agency has not yet been given the authority to handle these claims.

Up to 700 cases of medical malpractice and clinical negligence will be taken this year and, in the past two months, hospitals have reported around 200 incidents that could result in claims.