Professor Dame Joan Higgins re-appointed as Chair of the NHS Litigation Authority

Date of article: 10-Jan-12

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said:

“Professor Dame Joan Higgins’ reappointment is great news and I’m delighted she has agreed to serve another term chairing the Board. Her track record of success and commitment to improving the safety of patients will be invaluable to The NHS Litigation Authority.”

Chief Executive Steve Walker said:

“I’m delighted that Professor Dame Joan Higgins has been reappointed as our Chair for a second term. During her time with us, Professor Dame Joan Higgins has provided us with exemplary leadership and a fresh perspective on our work, especially in relation to learning from mistakes made in the provision of NHS care. As I prepare to leave at the end of March, this re-appointment provides the Authority with continuity at the highest level during a period of change and challenge for our organisation.”

Professor Dame Joan Higgins said:

“I am delighted to have been asked by the Secretary of State to serve a second term as Chair of the NHS Litigation Authority. It is a well established organisation with a good reputation and I look forward to working with my colleagues to build on these strengths. As claims numbers rise we will need to work closely with NHS organisations to ensure that risk is minimised and that we provide a sensitive and timely service to patients when things do go wrong.”

The NHSLA handles negligence claims and works collaboratively with other national bodies and with NHS bodies to improve risk management practices, promote patient safety and to minimise harm.

The Authority administers schemes set up under section 71 of the National Health Service Act 2006 to allow NHS bodies in England to pool the costs of any injury, loss or damage to property and liabilities to third parties from the carrying out of their business.

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