Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust Paid £543,689 for Radiology Errors Since 2020

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust has paid out more than half a million pounds in compensation over the past five years following radiology errors, new figures reveal.

Data obtained by Medical Negligence Assist through Freedom of Information requests shows that Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust paid £543,689 in compensation between 2020 and 2025 for claims linked to mistakes in radiology.

The figures highlight the financial and clinical impact of diagnostic errors within the NHS, at a time when imaging services are under increasing pressure.

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Claims and payouts over five years

Between 2020 and 2025, 28 radiology-related claims were lodged against the trust. Of these, 11 cases were settled.

The highest number of claims was recorded in 2023/24, when nine claims were made. The largest annual payout came in 2024/25, with settlements totalling £342,244.

Radiology covers diagnostic scans such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans and ultrasounds. While most scans are carried out accurately, failures can result in missed or delayed diagnoses, incorrect treatment decisions and avoidable harm to patients.

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What can go wrong in radiology

Radiology errors can happen for several reasons, including human error, insufficient oversight, outdated equipment and heavy workloads. These mistakes are usually classed as diagnostic errors, which are considered among the most serious patient safety issues due to their direct impact on treatment and outcomes.

Recent NHS reviews have repeatedly raised concerns about the strain on diagnostic services. Rising demand and workforce shortages have been identified as key risks, with the Royal College of Radiologists warning that a lack of consultant radiologists increases the likelihood of reporting delays and diagnostic errors.

Legal perspective on patient impact

Sophie Cope, medical negligence solicitor for JF Law, said:
“Radiology is a key part of modern healthcare and includes diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans and ultrasounds. These tools are a vital step in identifying a patient’s condition and ensuring they receive the appropriate treatment.

“When something goes wrong at this stage, whether a scan is carried out to a poor standard, misinterpreted, delayed, or never carried out in the first place, the impact on a patient’s health can be profound.”

Speaking further, Sophie said:
“Radiology errors can often lead to missed fractures, undiagnosed cancers or serious conditions being mistaken for something minor and these mistakes can have life-changing consequences.

“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.

“Many of these errors are avoidable. When a patient is harmed because standards have fallen short, they have every right to question what went wrong. If someone suspects a radiology error has caused them harm, it’s vital they seek legal advice both to ensure lessons are learned and also to allow them access to compensation intended to help them rebuild their life.”

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A wider national picture

The situation in Cornwall reflects a broader national trend. Figures from NHS Resolution show that 2,163 radiology negligence claims have been brought against NHS trusts across the UK since 2020.

Of these, 1,520 claims were settled, with total compensation payments exceeding £231 million. The most commonly reported harm was unnecessary pain, accounting for 261 claims over the five-year period. Claims have also involved missed cancer diagnoses and fatalities.

Medical Negligence Assist says it offers support to patients who believe they may have suffered harm as a result of radiology negligence, including access to a 24-hour helpline and an online claim form through its website.