Health
NHS trust admits breach of duty as emergency negligence claims increase
BBC News reports that an NHS trust conceded duty failures as emergency department negligence claims rose across England.
The short version
- North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust accepted a breach of duty for not ordering a CT scan for patient Oli Coppock in May 2024.[BBC News]
- Coppock was discharged from Warrington Hospital without a scan and suffered a cardiac arrest a week later from brain fluid accumulation, leaving him largely paralysed.[BBC News]
- A BBC analysis shows A&E clinical negligence claims in England rose 41% over five years to more than 1,623 in 2025-26.[BBC News]
- Medical professionals and experts attribute the sharp increase in negligence claims to severe emergency department pressures and delays.[BBC News]
Key facts
- Oli Coppock attended Warrington Hospital's emergency department with headaches and dizziness after brain tumour care in May 2024 but was discharged without a scan.[BBC News]
- Coppock suffered a cardiac arrest one week later caused by fluid accumulation on the brain, resulting in near-total paralysis.[BBC News]
- North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust admitted a breach of duty regarding the failure to order a CT brain scan.[BBC News]
- Negligence claims connected to emergency departments in England rose 41% across five years to surpass 1,623 in 2025-26, according to an analysis of NHS Resolution figures.[BBC News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
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