We should add the whistleblowing litigation costs here too. I don't as yet have the figures for that Here is a piece on NHS litigation ..... http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/dec/13/nhs-litigation-claims-double-under-coalition The nexus between patient groups, lawyers and newspapers appears to be fruitful for them but does not improve long term patient safety. Litigation against the NHS is now big business. Media feature to encourage litigation is also part of this business.