Abstract
As these words are being written, in late November, the Department of Health is about to launch its consultation on expanding the ambit of the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (CNST), whereby CNST would be able to cover the liabilities of private companies providing clinical services to the NHS in England. That would represent a significant expansion of CNST, and this column will provide more information as soon as it is known.
There are three case reports in this issue, all of them it is hoped of interest to readers. This column has never shied away from publicizing cases where the NHS has been found to be at fault, because arguably the Service can learn much more from those than from cases where a victory was achieved. In that vein, the decision in Loraine is highly significant, and NHS bodies (and others) would do well to pay close regard to the judge's criticisms and act upon them.