The NHS Litigation Authority has launched a new mediation service following a public tender. The tender enabled the NHS LA on behalf of the NHS to procure the highest quality, and most cost-effective, mediation services for the NHS.

The contracts have been awarded to Trust Mediation as well as the Centre for Effective dispute Resolution (CEDR), and Costs Alternative Dispute Resolution (CADR) for an initial period of two years. Robert Seabrook sits on the panel for Trust Mediation.

Helen Vernon says: “Mediation is an excellent forum for dispute resolution and provides injured patients and their families with an opportunity for face-to-face explanations and apologies when things go wrong and reducing the need for unnecessary litigation. We have used mediation to good effect throughout our 20 year history, including in high profile cases and group actions.”

Tim Wallis, Chairman of Trust Mediation, says: “We are delighted our expertise as a leading specialist panel of independent personal injury and clinical negligence mediators has been recognised by the NHS LA in the award of this contract. We look forward to working with claimants, the NHS LA and the lawyers involved to continue our record of delivering early settlement of difficult disputes.”

Robert Seabrook says: “Experience has shown that, however able and experienced the respective negotiating legal teams are, mediation can help to procure solutions in the most contentious and seemingly unresolvable litigation.”