Victims of medical negligence must be compensated in good time – Burke

Fine Gael Cork North Central Senator, Colm Burke, outlined the importance of periodic payment orders (PPOs) in the context of medical negligence cases, for families who need financial support to care for their loved ones who have been victims of medical negligence. Senator Burke was speaking after he raised the issue in the Seanad on Wednesday.

“Victims of medical negligence must be compensated in good time, particularly as any such compensation is needed for their often expensive medical care resulting from their illness or injury.

“Recently the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children heard a presentation from a parent whose child was severely affected by medical negligence.  It was clear at the time of the child’s birth that she had been badly affected by the manner of her delivery but it was nine years before any payment issued to the family.  The parent spoke about the fact that the first three to four years of that child’s life were extremely important but that the family did not have access to funding to provide the best possible care for the child. This situation just compounds the unfairness already inflicted on the family. A family like this should not have to struggle further to look after their child, when they are already victims of medical negligence.

“When I raised this matter in the Seanad (Wednesday) I was pleased to hear that the Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald does believe that the introduction of an appropriate and effective scheme of PPOs will address these issues and will further the interests of justice. I have been told that the necessary legislation will be published and enacted this year. This is a welcome development for victims of medical negligence, for whom any financial compensation needs to be paid in good time to assist them in their medical care. ”