To ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria are used to determine ex-gratia payments to NHS patients who have experienced adverse consequences of NHS treatment. (295036)

Chapter Five of the NHS Manual for Accounts contains guidance to the National Health Service on Losses and Special Payments, which includes the making of ex gratia payments. A copy of the current version of Chapter Five has been placed in the Library. An online version of the 2008-09 Manual is available from:

www.info.doh.gov.uk/doh/finman.nsf/4db79df91d978b6c00256728004f9d6b/95096061ec2c0feb802573bf0055e962?OpenDocument