Clinical Negligence & Access to Justice Conference
22 April 2010, Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin
Of 84,000 medical accidents reported to the State Claims Agency last year, only 521 claims were initiated. The need for access to justice for those who have been affected by clinical/medical negligence is essential but patients and their families are frequently left with unanswered questions and no apology or admission of liability from the healthcare providers. Legal action is often considered to be the only course of action in order to seek answers and justice but patients can be faced with a long, emotional fight to receive justice for their injuries.
You will hear from victims of medical negligence and from medical and legal experts as this important conference examines the current situation regarding clinical negligence and access to justice in Ireland, the potential obstacles that make access to justice more difficult and identify the type of reform that is necessary.
The conference is organised by the patient safety and justice charity Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA). AvMA are campaigning for the introduction of a ‘Duty of Candour’ about harm caused in healthcare, which would result in a legal requirement for any organisation registered to provide healthcare to practice being open and honest with patients or their next of kin when harm is caused. Failure to demonstrate compliance could result in refusal or removal of registration, fines, and/or requirements to take remedial action. Introducing a duty of candour in Ireland has a growing support and will be discussed further at this conference.
Download programme and registration form
