NHS trust pays out £20,000

NEARLY £20,000 has been paid out to patients and visitors who have made compensation claims in Lothians' hospitals in the last five years.

There have been 17 cases launched against NHS Lothian since 2004, of which six have been successful and eight are ongoing.

A total of £13,000 has been paid out to those who slipped or tripped on health board property, while £3,500 was dished out after objects fell on claimants.

The statistics do not include claims against medical negligence.