We cover the latest on the Covid-19 Inquiry, recommendations from the Ockenden report and NHS Resolution's thematic reviews of clinical negligence claims in emergency medicine, diabetes and lower limb complications, plus an analysis of anaesthesia claims.

From the changing landscape of vicarious liability to reforming clinical negligence in the NHS and a consultation on fixed recoverable costs amongst other topics, we analyse what these developments will mean for insurers.

Following the latest thematic review by NHS Resolution looking at the issue of diabetes and lower limb complications, we summarise when healthcare providers can step in to improve patient care, and how to prevent future harm.

The report of Donna Ockenden’s review of maternity services found repeated failures in the quality of care and governance at the Trust as well as failures of monitoring by external bodies. Read the key recommendations and what they mean for you.

Read the latest on the COVID-19 Inquiry and themes for Covid-related inquests and claims. Also: the government’s response to the Paterson Inquiry report, proposals for a new Special Health Authority and managing risk around the expansion of virtual wards.

The Court of Appeal determined whether the former owner of a dental practice was liable for the treatment provided to a patient by three self-employed dental associates. Find out what the decision means for healthcare providers.

Safety of two medicines (Primodos and Sodium Valproate) and one device (pelvic mesh) was at the heart of the report of the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review. Read the latest update on this topic.

Two cases awaiting decisions from the Court of Appeal could have a significant impact for healthcare organisations.

In this year’s forward view, we consider issues ranging from fixed recoverable costs in clinical negligence claims, claims resulting from COVID-19 treatment, major inquiries, clinical trials and healthcare technology.

The government is opening a consultation on fixed recoverable costs in low value clinical negligence claims. The proposed scheme aims to avoid litigation and speed up the exchange of evidence for faster agreement on liability, causation and quantum.

Concussion injury and its consequences continue to be in the news, with group litigation planned by both rugby and football players. We could see more claims of this nature, including from other sports where head injury is a risk.

The vast majority of the inquest cases relate to acquisition of Covid-19 during hospital admission and staffing/resource issues. In a recent case a Coroner was critical of a decision not to escalate a patient’s care to ICU.