In support of the HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS)’s goal to create an end-to-end digital service for claims in the County Court, NHS Resolution have confirmed all of their legal panel firms have registered and will be using the Damages Claims Portal (DCP), which becomes mandatory for defendants from 2 June 2022.
NHS Resolution will now nominate solicitors ahead of service of proceedings so that they are able to accept service through the DCP on behalf of indemnified health care providers.
Where Claimants and/or their representatives intend to issue proceedings against a provider indemnified by NHS Resolution, they are asked to contact NHS Resolution so that legal representatives can be nominated to accept service. Hospital trusts and primary care providers should not be contacted directly for this purpose.
NHS Resolution are committed to delivering fair resolution at an early stage wherever possible. It is hoped that the change in approach will allow the parties the opportunity to make use of the full range of dispute resolution options so that litigation is entered into only where absolutely necessary.