Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) NHS Foundation Trust has paid out £756,581 in compensation since 2020 following errors linked to radiology services, newly released figures from the Medical Negligence Assist Solicitors show. The data obtained indicates that eleven claims relating to diagnostic imaging errors were brought against the trust between 2020 and 2025, with six cases resulting in settlements. The highest number of claims was recorded in 2021/2022, when six were lodged.
An OUH spokesperson told Cherwell: “We cannot comment on individual cases, however, we sincerely apologise to all of the patients who were involved in these incidents. We are committed to delivering high-quality, safe, and effective care to the people who we serve. We work closely with patients, families and carers to resolve any compensation claim at the earliest opportunity. As an organisation, we are continually looking at how we can learn, and improve and working in partnership with our patients, families, and carers is central to this.”
Radiology plays a central role in modern healthcare, supporting emergency treatment, surgical decision-making and cancer diagnosis. While the vast majority of scans carried out across the NHS are completed safely, mistakes can have serious consequences. Radiology errors can be considered some of the most consequential patient safety incidents, as delayed, missed, or incorrect diagnoses can directly affect treatment outcomes and survival rates, particularly in cases involving grave conditions such as cancer and emergency care.
Speaking to Medical Negligence Assist, Sophie Cope said radiology errors could have “life-changing consequences” for patients. “Some errors may result in additional pain and suffering, prolonged illness, the need for more invasive treatment or prolonged recovery, and other errors can be catastrophic”, she said. “Many of these errors are avoidable.”
The figures form part of a wider national picture showing a rise in radiology-related negligence claims. According to NHS Resolution data, 2,163 claims have been made against NHS trusts across the country since 2020 for radiology errors. Of these, 1,520 cases were settled, with total compensation payments amounting to more than £231 million.
It is widely known that diagnostic imaging is a critical component of modern healthcare. The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) has raised the alert of a 30% shortfall in the radiology workforce, equivalent to 1,962 consultant radiologists, and reports that £276 million was spent in 2023 managing excess reporting demand, creating backlogs and consequently increasing the risk of diagnostic mistakes across the NHS in England.
In Oxford, efforts have been made to modernise and boost radiology services. A £21 million investment approved by the Department of Health and Social Care during the 2019 administration led to the replacement of several CT scanners, MRI units, and two mammography machines, which were more than ten years old. These upgrades were implemented across the Trust’s four main hospitals: John Radcliffe, Churchill, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, and Horton General Hospital. Likewise, further funding has been granted nationally. In the Labour Budget brought forward in November of 2024, the Chancellor committed £70 million for new linear accelerator (Linac) machines, following a pre-budget request from the RCR aimed at supporting effective cancer treatment.
 NHS Foundation Trust has paid out £756,581 in compensation since 2020 following errors linked to radiology services.){kind=link}