Between 2019 and 2024, there were 65 claims lodged against Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospitals Dorset Trust with 44 of these claims being settled.
There’s not a breakdown of claims for each of the trusts in Dorset.
These claims can occur when a medical professional fails to provide care or treatment to the expected standard, with some examples including failing to listen to the patient’s symptoms or conducting an improper examination.
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Over the past five years, the Dorset trusts have paid out a total of £4,911,086, with the highest amount being paid in 2019/20, at £2,386,752, NHS data reveals.
These claims were processed by NHS Resolution, which manages claims and compensation.
The NHS in Dorset has apologised to patients affected and have reaffirmed their dedication to providing the ‘highest standard of care’.
A spokesperson for the NHS in Dorset said: “We recognise the distress and lasting impact on families when a patient comes to harm or their experiences fall short of the standards expected. We extend our apologies to all those affected.
“We are committed to learning when things go wrong and will continue to strive for the highest standards of care. We will continue to ensure we have the right processes in place and take appropriate action to do all we can to continuously improve the safety and experience of care for people in Dorset.”
It comes as A&E services have been overwhelmed over the past few years, with two of the main causes being staff shortages and overcrowding.
Latest figures reveal that in the first quarter of 2025, 20,273 patients had to wait more than the four hour NHS target.
DCH is currently building a new £100 million Emergency Department and Critical Unit which should help alleviate the problem.
The latest figures come after it was revealed that DCH paid out 17,248,971 in damages for nine cases of child negligence claims since in the last five years.
Data was provided through an FOI by Medical NegligenceAssist