Around ten per cent of the NHS’s budget will be wasted this year, because of simple errors. The figures, which have been approximated on behalf of the NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA), reveal that the amount the health service will spend on compensation to poorly treated patients will have increased by nearly a third compared to last year. One health insurance company, Health-on-line has even predicted it to be the reason why they have seen an increase in quotes for private medical cover. The company’s director Mike Dalby says, "It’s difficult to be certain but we have seen an increase in health insurance enquiries over recent months and we’re beginning to wonder whether this is due in part to the public’s increasing frustration with misdirected NHS funds."

It has been argued that the significant amount the NHS wastes as a result of their mistakes could easily be prevented with more care and attention, and the money could be much better used in other areas to improve facilities and overall patient service. Waiting lists are often a major concern, and one of the reasons that people look into taking out a private medical insurance policy in order to be treated in a much quicker time. Mike Dalby adds, "Many people will question why this compensation has to be paid in the first place. Is it down to the fact that the NHS is finding it increasingly difficult to maintain standards of cleanliness, or that the increased pressure on the health system is leading to more mistakes being made? It will only have a detrimental effect on the public’s confidence in the NHS and could be the reason for increased interest in private health insurance".