Poland is planning changes to its compensation funds, allowing patients who suffer harm due to medical rescue operations to seek compensations without a court process.
In Poland, patients who have suffered health damages can receive compensation without legal proceedings through three existing funds—clinical studies, immunizations, and medical incidents. Proposed reforms aim to expand these compensatory facilities by including support for patients harmed during medical rescue operations. This change would specifically account for injuries occurring from the moment of emergency call through to ambulance transport.
The Patient Rights Advocate has initiated corrective actions concerning practices that violate collective rights and is advocating for substantial changes in the existing compensation funds. There are plans to consolidate the three existing compensation funds and standardize the amount of compensation patients may receive. This initiative particularly focuses on the immediate needs of patients involved in emergency medical situations, ensuring they have access to timely financial support without the hurdles of lengthy court proceedings.
The Advocate's spokesperson Bartłomiej Chmielowiec highlighted that these changes should simplify the process for receiving compensation and advocate for the medical rescue teams' responsibilities. Increasing awareness and efficiency in handling patient claims could lead to better healthcare outcomes and greater trust in the medical system, especially in critical emergency scenarios. This reform has the potential to significantly impact patient care by ensuring swift and fair compensation mechanisms are in place.
