Linda Millband, head of clinical negligence at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “The last thing Paterson’s victims need, after all this time, is a fudge. At first glance, it simply looks like warm words rather than real change pushed out on a day when the news agenda is, understandably, focused elsewhere.  

“The government must put the pedal to the metal and be clear about exactly what safeguards are being put in place to protect people. A “longer term strategy” and an “action plan” are great buzz words, but there seems to be very little here that will actually protect patients.”