2026, issue 34

The UK's clinical negligence bill doesn't add up

Dr Matthew Lee
ByDr Matthew Lee
Published27 February 2026
Clinical negligence claims cost the NHS more than £350,000 an hour. The government must get a grip on this crisis if it wants to maximise resources for frontline care.

At £60 billion, estimated liability for clinical negligence is the second largest provision on the government balance sheet after nuclear decommissioning.

Thrive in the UK

This page was correct at publication on 27/02/2026. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.

Dr Matthew Lee
Chief executive, the Medical Defence Union

BM, MBA, FRCP, MRCPCH, FFFLM Matthew has been chief executive of the MDU since September 2021. He has worked at the MDU since 2000, initially as a medico-legal adviser assisting members facing complaints, disciplinary procedures and criminal investigations before becoming professional services director (with responsibility for claims handling, underwriting, legal services and the medical and dental advisory services) in 2009. He joined the MDU from a background of working as a clinical fellow in paediatric intensive care in Southampton, having trained in both anaesthetics and paediatric medicine.

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