Abstract

Clinical claims arise due to an error in medical diagnosis often leading to delayed or incorrect treatment, or as a result of a range of adverse outcomes related to treatment or other medical interventions. The number of outstanding clinical claims yet to be resolved as well as their associated estimated costs are at a record high in Ireland. By the end of 2022, the Irish government faced 3,875 active claims, expected to cost €3.85 billion, not including any future claims. These costs are borne by the Irish healthcare system which is already facing exceptional pressures on its services and staff. Clinical claims also have negative impacts on all parties involved. Addressing the reasons why claims and costs continue to increase requires analysis of patient safety data, learning from previous legal actions, and implementation of evidence-based recommendations through engagement with stakeholders, including the public. Novel efforts including a new interdepartmental working groups and a possible Citizens Assembly are discussed in this paper. However, it is also necessary to look at implementation of both claims-related and report recommendations as well as measure their impact. Action is required now to change the course of the currently unsustainable trajectory of the Irish medicolegal landscape.