in brief

The NHS in Northern Ireland has paid£55m in compensation for clinical negligence claims over the past 10 years, according to a report from the Northern Ireland Assembly's independent auditor John Dowdall.The audit office examined the time taken to investigate 322 cases in which compensation was paid and found claims took on average four or five years to be settled.

www. niaauditoffice. gov. uk

The NHS Alliance has launched a survey of senior nurses in primary care trusts to find out their views on the impact of PCTs on the profession.The results will go to the government, nursing bodies and PCTs.Lead PCT nurses who have not received a survey should call 01777-869 080.

No patients in England are waiting more than 12 months for heart surgery, according to figures from the Department of Health.But the May 2002 figures on the total number waiting rose to nearly 1.06 million - an increase of almost 1 per cent, on the previous month. English residents waiting over 15 months for treatment numbered 276 - of whom 271 were at Royal United Hospital Bath trust, where mismanagement of waiting lists has been uncovered.Welsh residents waiting over 15 months in May numbered 58.

www. doh. gov. uk

Northern Ireland health minister Bairbre de Brun has announced details of a£152.7m investment package in health, including£59.5m for cancer services and£17.6m for redevelopment of Altnagevin Area Hospital, Londonderry.

www. ni-executive. gov. uk

The Department of Health has launched a progress report on shared services, tracking the 40 trusts taking part in the pilot programme.The report examines the projects on shared services development, electronic staff-record and finance and e-commerce.

www. doh. gov. uk/sharedservices