The estimated number of persons treated in general hospitals due to road traffic accidents in 1991 was about 7,800. It is not possible, without conducting a special survey, to estimate the total cost of the treatment provided in respect of those admissions, as the treatment and costs involved varies widely from patient to patient. In 1991, the total amount received by health agencies for road traffic accident cases was £3.728 million. Hospitals do not receive recoupment of costs from insurance companies; these costs are recovered from patients who have already received compensation.
The amounts received by the hospitals for treating road traffic accident cases do not in all cases reflect fully the total costs of treatment. My Department is discussing with representatives of the insurance industry ways and means to improve the payments procedure so that all moneys recouped by insurance companies in respect of hospital costs are paid to the hospitals. The future range and level of charges to be made by hospitals are also being discussed.