Norwich Pharmacal order

A Norwich Pharmacal order (NPO) is an order for the disclosure of documents or information by the respondent to the applicant. This is an equitable remedy and so the granting of any order will depend on, and its terms will be adapted to fit, the nature of the claim.

NPOs are typically sought to obtain information about the identity of persons to whom a victim can look for the redress of a wrong. An application is against the respondent, whose identity is known by the applicant and who

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

TAKE A FREE TRIAL

Latest PI & Clinical Negligence News

Justice Committee publishes report on the work of the County Court

The House of Commons Justice Committee published has published a report, examining the state of the County Court in England and Wales. The Committee found the County Court to be in a state of dysfunction, describing it as the neglected ‘Cinderella service’ of the justice system. The report identifies that average waiting times for small claims cases now exceed 50 weeks, a trend that predates the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and has been exacerbated by increased demand, staffing challenges, and a rise in litigants-in-person. These delays stem from long-standing issues that the Ministry of Justice and HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) have failed to resolve.

No default secrecy for judges’ criticism of bench applicants

Law360, London: The Court of Appeal ruled on 17 July 2025 that sitting judges can continue to give feedback about applicants for judicial office but told the Judicial Appointments Commission it must weigh whether to disclose negative feedback to candidates in each case.

NHS Resolution publishes Annual Report and Accounts for 2024/25

NHS Resolution has published its Annual Report and Accounts for 2024/25, reporting that 83% of clinical compensation claims were resolved without formal legal proceedings—the highest proportion recorded to date. This equates to 11,110 claims settled through alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and negotiation. The report outlines how initiatives including the Early Notification scheme for birth injury cases have supported earlier access to compensation and greater involvement of families in the process. NHS Resolution received 14,428 new clinical negligence claims and reported incidents during the year. Total payments across all clinical schemes amounted to £3.1bn, of which £1.3bn related to maternity. The estimated annual cost of harm under the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (CNST) was £4.6bn, a reduction from £4.8bn in 2023/24. NHS Resolution’s provision for future liabilities as of 31 March 2025 was £60.3bn. The report also notes increased demand for its Practitioner Performance Advice and Primary Care Appeals services.

Silicosis claims

PI & Clinical Negligence analysis: Silicosis is an incurable lung disease caused by prolonged inhalation of respirable crystalline silica (RCS), leading to progressive lung scarring and impaired breathing. In occupational settings, employers have legal duties to protect workers from silica dust exposure. Where these duties have been breached, those who develop silicosis may pursue legal claims. Written by Jim Hester, barrister at Parklane Plowden Chambers.

View PI & Clinical Negligence by content type :

News