Fw: insurance

[Elizabeth McAlpine]

thought you might be interested in this.    there is a need for some grievance committee or other to arrange acknowledgement/apology.............liz ----- Original Message ----- From: Jim Wellsmore To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2001 5:52 AM Subject: Re: [Fwd: ] childbirth Dear Elizabeth, I am a Policy Officer here at PIAC and was involved with our recent work on the medical indemnity insurance issues although my senior colleague Amanda Cornwall is our 'health expert'. The issues you have raised are indeed valid. Its interesting to note, however, that when the possibility of a 'no fault' scheme was raised with some individuals and groups representing the 'victims of medical negligence' or error many of them were quite vehemently opposed to the idea - they appear to have a large stake in 'fault' or 'negligence' and even 'maliciousness' being found on the doctor's part. This approach also complicates the other political approach to insurance issues seelig to move away form insurance to simpler recognition of errors and the outcomes. Research we have seen reported indicates that many people who have endured these errors mostly seek an acknowledgement and an apology. This would seem a much cheaper and easier way to proceed. On the other hand, it appears that the insurance providers (medical defence funds mostly) have contributed to rising costs and higher premiums not only through apparent mismanagement of their members' funds but by choosing to fight almost to the death every single complaint of legal action. Yet the recent changes in NSW, while holding some positives for consumers, in part will reward the providers for this behaviour. Thanks for your interest in our work and for your own efforts in this important area of policy. Yours, Jim Wellsmore Sarah Mitchell wrote: Subject: Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2001 17:30:17 +0400 From: Elizabeth McAlpine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear Sara, On refection, why can't Australia do what the Dutch and the New Zealand governments did. 'no-fault'.   Social support for disability throughout life, by, for example, national insurance/other community facility.That would be much better!! The courts would have much less work too - reduction of costs etc..... regards,Elizabeth McAlpine -- Jim Wellsmore PUBLIC INTEREST ADVOCACY CENTRE Level 1, 46-48 York Street Sydney   2000   New South Wales Australia Ph: 61 2 9299 7833 Fx: 61 2 9299 7855