New figures reveal that Oxford University Hospitals Trust has settled more than £5 million in negligence cases stemming from incorrect diagnoses over the past six years.
The trust faced 98 misdiagnosis-related legal claims during the 2019/20 to 2024/25 period. Of these, 47 reached successful resolution, with the trust disbursing a combined £5,133,413 in compensation. This translates to approximately £109,222 per case that was resolved in claimants’ favour.
The amounts paid out by OUH fall below those recorded by nearby NHS trusts. Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust settled £14,945,325 in claims during the identical timeframe, while Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust paid £10,101,427.
A representative for OUH stated that the organisation remains dedicated to providing high-quality, safe, and effective services to patients. The spokesperson added that the trust collaborates with patients, families, carers, and NHS Resolution to address compensation matters promptly. According to the spokesperson, OUH consistently seeks opportunities to learn from experiences and enhance the standard of care delivered alongside patients and their families.
Sophie Cope, a specialist in medical negligence at Medical Negligence Assist, called on healthcare administrators to take action. She noted that the statistics demonstrate a troubling pattern that ultimately harms patients. Cope mentioned that her firm frequently encounters situations where postponed diagnoses result in severe and permanent effects on individuals’ lives.
The information came to light following Freedom of Information requests submitted by Medical Negligence Assist.
The financial settlements do not originate directly from OUH. Instead, NHS Resolution, which operates an indemnity programme covering clinical negligence for NHS trusts across England and Wales, meets these costs. Member organisations contribute annually to NHS Resolution for this protection.
NHS Resolution handles claim investigations and management for its member trusts, determining when settlements should be offered, negotiated, and disbursed where deemed suitable.
Evaluating clinical negligence cases frequently involves complex medical and prognostic considerations. Determining past, current, and future care needs can require extensive investigation spanning several years, meaning certain claims may take considerable time before reaching a financial resolution.
Fluctuations in annual claim numbers and values, combined with investigation timeframes, mean yearly compensation totals fluctuate.
Across England and Wales, NHS trusts received 9,989 misdiagnosis claims over the six-year period. A total of 7,500 were resolved, costing the NHS £1,236,646,418 overall, with an average settlement of £164,886 per successful claimant.
Although claim volumes decreased during the coronavirus outbreak, they have since climbed to their highest level in six years, reaching 1,922 new filings in the 2024/25 financial year alone.