As reported by Healthcare Today in January, claims for radiology errors against the NHS have risen to a peak in 2025. With the number of patients referred to both NHS and private providers for diagnostics increasing year on year, it is important that providers learn from claims to improve standards and prevent future harm.
Radiology claims most commonly arise due to findings of a scan being misdiagnosed or missed entirely. However, with radiologists becoming more specialised, claims can also involve technical failures in interventional radiology procedures, failures in consent, and failure to request additional views.
As disclosed by NHS Resolution in a Freedom of Information request, the injuries which occurred in settled claims between 2020 and 2025 included avoidable pain, additional operations, advancing staging of cancer, and fatality. Claims between 2020 and 2025 cost the NHS more than £230 million. Improvement in radiology reporting and practice is therefore integral to reducing litigation and ensuring patient safety.
Workforce shortages should be a focus for providers. However, the issues are multi-faceted and other process and technological improvements could also assist. For instance, an article published in 2025 discusses consensus guidance being incorporated into reporting and dictation software used by radiologists, this would give a radiologist reporting a scan instant access to current guidance, reducing distraction by avoiding the need to open another website or resource.
At TMLEP, we are frequently engaged to review incidents which involve radiology reporting. Through our in-depth investigations and expert clinical insights, healthcare providers receive recommendations to better align services with best practice and consensus guidance. With TMLEP’s focus on learning rather than apportioning blame, healthcare providers can focus on enhancing clinical care and patient safety.
For more information on TMLEP’s investigation services, please click here.
