Following your article on NHS redress (see [2006] Gazette, 27 April, 16), it should be noted that later this month the government will ask its backbenchers to cast out a Conservative/Liberal Democrat amendment to the NHS Redress Bill.


The Bill started in the House of Lords, where the government was defeated on a crucial amendment tabled jointly by the Conservatives and Lib Dems.


The amended Bill now places independence of the investigation at its heart, whereas the government's original proposals would have had the NHS investigating itself - a clear conflict of interest.


The Bill as amended also now establishes a clear separation between fact finding and fault finding. Indeed, the 'heart and soul' of the Bill is concerned with establishing the facts, so that patients are aware of what happened and what perhaps should have happened. Thereafter, patients would have available to them a range of options for settling disputes in appropriate cases.


Also important to us is that there is an explanation and apology where due; that lessons learnt are not lost within the NHS so that other patients may benefit; and that a McKenzie-type friend is available to support and guide the patient through the process.


The amended Bill reflects the priorities of patients, as our proposals to create an open, independent and fact-finding process would safeguard patients' interests, and accords with natural justice. In addition, patient safety is promoted.


John Baron MP, Conservative Shadow Health Minister, House of Commons, London