Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what discussions he has had with the insurance industry about ambulance service community first responders who are refused insurance when they reach the age of 70; and if he will make a statement.

There have been no meetings with the Secretary of State for Health and the insurance industry about this issue.

Indemnity cover for National Health Service organisations is primarily provided by NHS Resolution through the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts, the Liabilities to Third Parties Scheme (LTPS) and the Property Expenses Scheme. All NHS ambulance trusts are members of these schemes.

LTPS typically covers employers’ and public liability claims from NHS staff, patients and members of the public and in general, there are no age limits to the benefits provided. The one exception is the Personal Accident Benefit, payable in claims relating to serious bodily injury, which is currently limited to staff and volunteers under 70 years of age, although all exceptions are subject to regular review. This exception does not affect the rights of individuals to bring a claim of negligence should they suffer injury or loss in the course of their duties.