health & social care

The political, organisational, regulatory and legislative environment in which health & social care organisations operate is constantly changing.

The Bristol and Shipman Inquiries have reinforced the need for public confidence in the regulation of healthcare professionals. An understanding of the required standards of professional conduct and the increasing role of regulatory bodies is essential, particularly in the area of professional competence.  Our team advises the regulatory bodies for nurses, midwives and social workers and can utilise that expertise for all of our clients.

At times, serious health & safety investigations and prosecutions have required both representation by our specialist advocates at high profile Coroners’ Inquests and assistance in gathering and presenting necessary evidence.  Clients tell us that our expert guidance during such investigations is invaluable.

Our team has both pursued and defended a number of high profile judicial review claims and regularly provides advice to public sector clients on how to avoid challenges to their decisions. With our input clients can ensure that the processes by which their decisions are made are robust and legally defensible.

Medical law is an area of rapid growth as practitioners seek solutions to complex medical and ethical issues.  In advising regulatory bodies on matters such as cloning and the removal, storage and use of gametes, embryos and human tissue, our team is at the forefront of advice relating to such sensitive issues.  Our detailed and practical expertise in these areas and in related issues such as confidentiality, consent and data protection provides clients with much needed clarity and support.

The mental health framework is undergoing change that will require staff to have access to expert training and reliable, responsible legal advice.  Our dedicated mental health team provides advice on the operation of the Mental Health Act, the interface with child care law, judicial review challenges and mental capacity.

Personal injury claims have a significant financial impact on the NHS.  As the largest NHS personal injury team in Wales that also defends a substantial volume of claims throughout England, we are well placed to help clients identify areas of particular risk and avoid future claims.  We achieve this through robust incident reporting systems and providing advice on risk management in individual cases.