Healthcare

Our healthcare team provides rapid, strategic advice in response to capital investment in hospitals, diagnostics centres, care facilities, and healthcare companies, ensuring projects are legally robust and regulatorily compliant from planning to execution.

• Specialist in early/mid-stage investment rounds in healthcare companies.
• Acted for ABC Medicover in its equity investment in fertility clinic RHG.
• Advised Sovereign Capital Partners on various homecare, care home and supported living investments.
• Advised developing startups in bio-regenerative medicine on suitable setup vehicle and methods of raising capital.
• Advised Business Growth Fund on its growth capital investment in Evo Dental Group.
• Advised investor clients in relation to the acquisition and refinancing of organisations operating in the healthcare and social care sectors. In addition to undertaking the underlying due diligence, advice provided to clients included the regulatory requirements of the Care Quality Commission, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales and the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority.
• Acted for a senior lender on the corporate aspects of its acquisition finance facility to support the MBO of a number of care home businesses.
• Set up funds for a specific platform for investment in the bio-tech and bio-regenerative medicine sector.
• Prepared a policy paper for HMG on the development of bio-regenerative medicine to inform development of policy for HMG investment in the sector.

Assisting NHS bodies, clinics, and care home groups with acquisitions, disposals, leasing, and development of healthcare facilities, our experienced team advise on planning and financing, and support clients through complex transactions. With years of experience and deep sector knowledge, we deliver pragmatic solutions that facilitate efficient property management and support our clients’ operational objectives.

• Acted for City and County Healthcare Group on the commercial property aspects of multiple acquisitions of care home and supported living businesses.
• Advised London Medical and Aesthetic Clinic Limited in respect of its commercial property acquisitions.
• Advised Parkside Pharmacare group in respect of the property aspects of multiple business acquisitions.
• Advised an optician group on its retail leasehold portfolio acquisitions.
• Acted for an independent pharmacy chain based across London, Kent, Surrey and West Sussex on acquisitions, disposals and refinancing of its pharmacy portfolio.
• Acted for a number of private operators of pharmacies on the acquisition of pharmacies by way of asset purchases and acted on the property aspects in respect of share purchases.
• Dealt with the acquisition and disposal of care homes for care home operators by way of asset sales, advising on property aspects of share sales and purchases.
• Acted for a number of private operators of pharmacies in respect of the grant and renewal of leases of their business premises.
• Advised on the acquisition of a 50-bed care home with additional assisted-living use with finance for a care charity.
• Advised on the acquisition and development of over 5 super surgery sites around the country with pre-lets to GP practices, pharmacies and other health providers.
• Acted on the acquisition of a £10m care facility offering care home and medical facilities including subsequent re-finance and ultimate sale.
• Advised on the acquisition of numerous sites for development of adult assisted living accommodation with pre-let to housing association and forward funding arrangements.
• Advised on the sale of multi-surgery sites to investors including several surgeries, pharmacy and additional health care providers.
• Dealt with the sale of a £5m London care home by way of an asset sale.
• Dealt with the sale of a substantial Kent care home for a sum in excess of £7.5m by way of a share sale.
• Dealt with the refinance of a group of care homes including the provision of the City of London Law Society Long Form Certificate of Title for each property.

Our experienced lawyers provide comprehensive legal support for construction and infrastructure projects within the healthcare sector. We advise NHS trusts, private providers, and developers on procurement strategies, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance. Our team ensures that projects align with healthcare regulations and standards, offering guidance on risk management and dispute avoidance. With expertise in both construction law and healthcare operations, we deliver pragmatic solutions that facilitate the successful delivery of healthcare facilities.

• Drafted and negotiated building contract and professional appointments for the expansion of GP practices in Oxfordshire.
• Development of private hospitals and clinics for a well-known private health care provider; drafted and settled construction documentation for various projects.
• The construction aspects for NHS health facilities at Sheffield, Oldham and Cornwall in the UK to the value of £120 million each.
• The construction aspects for hospitals at Ealing, Croydon and Kent in the UK to the value of £200 million each.
• The construction aspects of the development of a foreign healthcare facility in London.
• Acted for Lloyds Bank on 4 extra care developments, advising upon and negotiation of all the construction documents (each development in excess of £30m).
• Advised on the Kent Excellent Homes PFI Project.
• Advised on the Camden Care and Extra Care PPP Project.
• Advised on the Walsall Sheltered Housing Project.
• Advised on the London Borough of Camden Older People Project.
• Advised on the North Tyneside Extra Care and Sheltered Housing Project.
• Acted for a domiciliary care provider on funding and a “buy and build” strategy.
• Advised on the development of a medical site.

The extensive sector experience of our healthcare lawyers ensures our clients mitigate risks and resolve disputes relating to consultancy agreements in healthcare delivery. From structuring fair compensation to protecting intellectual property and confidential data, we ensure contracts support compliant, effective working relationships.

• Acted as key legal advisor to a data analytics and consultancy provider to the healthcare industry.
• Acted on various corporate, IP and employment matters for Outcomes Based Healthcare Limited, a business using algorithmic analysis of patient treatment data.
• Drafted patient terms and conditions and associated complaint policy for a private dermatology clinic.
• Draft patient terms and conditions and associated complaint policy for an independent cosmetic surgeon in the cosmetic/aesthetic sector.

Our team of corporate healthcare lawyers advises on a broad range of company formation and governance issues, ensuring compliance from incorporation and beyond, particularly for regulated or early-stage healthcare service providers.

• Advised Proteome Sciences plc (AIM) on equity fund raising, shareholder loans and corporate governance.
• Acted in the organisation and structuring of network of mixed private and public hospitals/clinics.
• Advised Portman Healthcare on its formation and acquisition of private dental businesses.
• Acted for three professors of immunology in setting up a new company and agreeing a shareholders’ agreement for The Food Allergy Immunotherapy Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children.
• Advised on the establishment of and initial fundraising for Optimism Health Group, plus several subsequent acquisitions and fundraisings.
• Conducted internal investigations into bribery allegations across several high-risk jurisdictions.
• Advised on managing conflicts of interest in relation to interactions with HCPs and government officials.
• Advised on legislative changes and compliance, for example in relation to innovations concerning diagnostics and treatment of chronic conditions.

Our M&A lawyers have years of experience of providing legal support across all aspects of healthcare mergers and acquisitions and restructurings. We advise NHS bodies, private providers, investors, and medtech companies on transactions involving clinics, care homes, and specialist services. Our team ensures compliance with healthcare regulations, conducts due diligence, and negotiates agreements to facilitate seamless integrations. With deep sector expertise, we facilitate seamless transitions and risk mitigation, providing solutions that encourage growth and adaptability in a dynamic healthcare landscape.

• Advised Portman Healthcare on its formation and acquisition of private dental businesses.
• Acted for City and County Healthcare Group, a homecare provider, on over 55 acquisitions.
• Acted as lead the sale of Sciensus, a leading health informatics company, to Healthcare at Home.
• Advised on the sale of multi-surgery sites to investors including several surgeries, pharmacy and additional health care providers.

• Advised Optimism Health Group on the acquisition of OutsideClinic, the acquisition of VisionCall, and on a number of reorganisations.
• Acted in the organisation and structuring of network of mixed private and public hospitals/clinics.
• Advised investor clients in relation to the acquisition and refinancing of organisations operating in the healthcare and social care sectors, including due diligence and advice on the regulatory requirements of the Care Quality Commission, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales and the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority.
• Advised the founder of Allmed Medical Group in relation to its global group re-organisation and family succession planning.
• Acted for a domiciliary care provider on funding and a “buy and build” strategy.
• Acted for a senior lender on the corporate aspects of its acquisition finance facility to support the MBO of a number of care home businesses.
• Advised Sovereign Capital Partners on various homecare, care home and supported living investments.
• Acted for Clinical Partners Limited on the acquisition of Oxford ADHD.

Our team of specialist IP lawyers provide strategic advice on data protection tailored to the healthcare sector’s unique needs. We assist NHS bodies and private providers in navigating complex data protection regulations, including GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. We ensure compliance with regulatory standards, advise on data processing agreements, and support clients in managing data breaches and subject access requests. With deep sector knowledge, we deliver pragmatic solutions that protect personal data and uphold patient confidentiality.

• Advised US-UK researchers on the use of medical data, and lectured at the Texas Medical Center on data use.
• Acted as key legal advisor to a data analytics and consultancy provider to the healthcare industry.
• Advised Telenor on the development and implementation of a mobile-based healthcare solution.
• Prepared a template for the use of Real World Data together with stakeholders from hospitals and the innovative pharmaceutical industry.
• Advised on the use of medical data.

Should our clients find themselves facing a dispute or investigation, our expert healthcare lawyers are on hand to advise on clinical negligence claims, regulatory investigations, inquests, NHS hospital investigations, private hospital investigations, large inquiries (such as the Covid-19 inquiry), judicial reviews, challenges against regulators and contractual disputes, ensuring pragmatic and cost-effective solutions. Our team is adept at navigating complex issues, whether through litigation or alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation. We represent a diverse clientele, including NHS bodies, private healthcare providers, insurers, suppliers, investors, and individual practitioners, offering strategic guidance to safeguard reputations and mitigate risks. With a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape, we deliver responsive and commercially focused advice to resolve disputes efficiently and uphold professional standards. Whether contract, intellectual property or regulatory in nature, our focus is on practical outcomes aligned with business goals.

• Successfully defended a £4million+ multi-defendant claim against a GP, arising from alleged delayed diagnosis of spinal cord compression and disc prolapse leading to paralysis.
• Acted on a £3million+ multi-defendant claim against an orthopaedic surgeon, whose patient died post-operatively.
• Acted on a £1million+ multi-defendant claim against a cardiac surgeon in relation to an atrial fibrillation procedure at a private hospital, involving very complex causation issues.
• Acted on a £1million+ claim against a surgeon arising from an orchiopexy on a three-month old infant, involving very complex issues of causation and condition and prognosis.
• Successfully conducted a high-profile Judicial Review against NHS England, challenging its interpretation of the NHS (Pharmaceutical and Local Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2013. The case has been described as of ‘wide national significance’.
• Acted on product liability claims involving medical or injury element for insurers, private healthcare providers, suppliers and manufacturers.
• Advising on personal injury and clinical negligence claims, including deaths, birth injury and catastrophic injury for insurers, NHS Resolution, private healthcare providers, employment agencies and individuals.
• Represented numerous specialty trainee doctors in successfully challenging ARCP Outcome 3/4 decisions and adverse CSA results.
• Advised on a multimillion-pound blockchain healthcare startup founders dispute.
• Acted on behalf of a care provider in a criminal investigation into the death of a child patient who had a congenital condition which meant that he required continuous monitoring to maintain his airways whilst asleep. The patient passed away during a shift undertaken by the care provider’s nurse, who was separately investigated.
• Advised on construction and property disputes in relation to PFI healthcare projects and latent defects in hospital estates.
• Advised a healthcare group on an earn-out dispute with the founder shareholder of an acquired company.
• Defended group litigation against a dentist after the biggest ever patient recall by NHS England.
• Advised an out of hours GP in a £30m meningitis claim where Vocare’s insurance was capped at £10m, the MDU refused to grant an indemnity and the Claimant pursued the GP personally.
• Defended a pain management doctor in a multi-million pound cauda equina claim brought by a world famous singer, securing a discontinuance.
• Represented a surgeon in a £250,000 claim involving complications following abdominal surgery.
• Acted for an overseas hospital in High Court proceedings for alleged breach of duty.
• Advised in connection with pharmaceutical disputes.
• Advised on doctors’ partnership disputes.
• High-value orthopaedic claim (£5+million) representing a surgeon in respect of a patient who underwent a right total knee replacement in 2016 under the care of an orthopaedic surgeon, and the private hospital where the surgery and aftercare took place.
• Acted on behalf of the owner of an out-of-hours service provider in a claim by a claimant who was aged 9 months at the date of the alleged negligence (delay in diagnosis and treatment of pneumococcal meningitis).
• Representing a medical indemnity insurer and its insured gynaecologist, on a joint retainer to defend a substantial clinical negligence claim involving alleged mismanagement of the claimant’s abdominal mass which turned out to be a very rare ovarian cancer.
• Representing a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in a high-value contribution (Part 20) claim arising from the death of a patient following a total knee replacement.
• Represented the out-of-hours service provider in a high-value claim following the alleged delay in diagnosis and treatment of pneumococcal meningitis in a nine-month-old baby.
• Assisted in acting on behalf of the owner of an out-of-hours service provider in relation to a very-high-value stroke case. Successful defence of the claim resulted in the claimant accepting a drop-hands offer shortly before trial.
• Assisted in bringing a high-value and complex multi-defendant clinical negligence claim, which was successful at trial in the Royal Courts of Justice.
• Assisted on the recovery of a £3.2m for an 80-year-old with complete paraplegia due to negligent anaesthesia.
• Assisted on a £3.3m settlement for a claimant with an impaired life expectancy that included an annual payment to cover ongoing future 24-hour care.

Our specialist employment lawyers are dedicated to advising on employment law in a healthcare setting, from clinical staffing contracts and TUPE to disciplinary proceedings and whistleblowing cases.

• Advised a global healthcare business in Employment Tribunal age, sex, race and whistleblowing proceedings.
• Advised a consultant doctor on pursuing and resolving discrimination and grievance allegations.
• Advised and represented healthcare professionals in relation to disciplinary proceedings before NHS England, and their employers.
• Successfully acted for three female consultant doctors to prevent their employer from forcing them to join an out-of-hours rota.
• Advised on the successful resolution of claims for psychiatric loss pursued through the Employment Tribunal, bringing together the employer, D&O insurers and liability insurers.
• Advised a global healthcare business on a successful redundancy program and on ongoing day-to-day employment matters including outsourcings, in-sourcings, re-tenderings and employee relations issues.
• Advised a multinational healthcare business on an entrenched employment dispute involving whistleblowing and discrimination allegations.

Our team of experts provide guidance on inquests, representing healthcare professionals, providers, and insurers. We assist clients in preparing for and participating in inquests, including evidence gathering, witness preparation, and representation at hearings. With extensive experience in healthcare litigation and regulatory matters, we support clients through the inquest process, ensuring compliance with legal obligations and safeguarding reputations.

• Acted for a private healthcare group in a complex inquest following the deaths of multiple patients, all of whom had been treated by a single consultant. Also dealt with the defence of associated civil claims.
• Acted as HM Coroner on complex jury inquests involving clinical and healthcare environments.

• Assisted in the representation of a drug and alcohol recovery service in relation to an inquest, which avoided any criticism by the Coroner, and therefore any reputational damage.
• Representing a private online healthcare provider and the GPs it employs in relation to an inquest touching upon the death of a mental health patient who died after using the private provider’s service to acquire a duplicate prescription of medication already dispensed within the NHS.
• Representing a prison GP in an Article 2 Jury Inquest arising from the death of a prisoner following restraint.
• Dealt with a complex and long-running inquest involving multiple deaths.
• Assisted a GMC-registered doctor in respect of their involvement in a high-profile case which led to an inquest, a change in NHS protocol and a CQC criminal investigation.
• Representing a prison GP in an Article 2 Jury Inquest arising from the death of a prisoner following restraint.

Our experienced insurance lawyers advise NHS bodies, private providers, insurers, and medical professionals on policy coverage, policy wordings, indemnity arrangements, and regulatory compliance in the healthcare sector. Assisting with drafting and negotiating insurance policies, resolving coverage disputes, and navigating claims processes, our deep sector knowledge enables us to deliver pragmatic solutions that protect our clients’ interests and ensure alignment with healthcare regulations.

• Provided a medico-legal advice service for specialist surgeons and sports doctors from 2014 to present.
• Coverage advice to insurers in relation to a multimillion-pound claim involving a psychiatric in-patient who absconded and suffered severe injuries.
• Drafting medical indemnity insurance policies (including combined policies) for insurers, drafting Endorsements for use with wordings, and advising on revisions to existing insurance wordings, for a range of policies intended to indemnify individual clinicians, healthcare provider entities and therapists.
• Advised on coverage issues including doctors and dentists refused indemnity by their MDOs or insurers.
• Advised insurers on the vicarious liability of a private hospital group for self-employed consultants.
• Advised a dental clinic on the non-delegable duty of care to patients for independent contractor dentists.
• Use of all forms of ADR for maximum severity claims including settlement for circa £30m.
• Advised an insurer on costs following the settlement of group litigation involving almost 100 patients.
• Advised a medical indemnity insurer and its insured cardiac perfusion science provider on a multimillion-pound claim involving a patient injured by an air embolism during cardiac surgery.
• Advised a health cover firm on the developing life expectancy profiles and product development.
• Representing a medical indemnity insurer and its insured gynaecologist, on a joint retainer to defend a substantial clinical negligence claim involving alleged mismanagement of the claimant’s abdominal mass which turned out to be a very rare ovarian cancer.
• Coverage advice to an insurer of a private surgery provider, in relation to a clinical negligence claim by an NHS ‘right to choose’ patient against the provider and an independent surgeon.

Our team have years of experience providing strategic advice on intellectual property matters in the healthcare sector. We assist clients in protecting and exploiting innovations, including patents, trade marks, and confidential information. Our expertise encompasses drafting and negotiating licensing, collaboration, and research agreements, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks. With a deep understanding of the healthcare industry, we deliver pragmatic solutions that safeguard our clients’ intellectual property assets and support their commercial objectives.

• Advised clinicians and a UK hospital on brand development to maximise their international repute in support of their teaching.
• Advised on collaborations in the development of diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.
• Represented Lloyds Pharmacy in trade mark portfolio management matters.
• Applications for trademarks in the areas of healthcare.
• Advised on patent infringement & validity matter, also addressing requirements of statements of case and permissions of experiments as well as ADR. Select Healthcare Limited v Cromptons Healthcare Limited[2011] EWHC 1830 (Pat), [2011] EWHC 796 & 797 (Pat).

We are experts in mental capacity and best interests disputes relating to a person’s health and welfare and property and affairs. We provide expert advice pre proceedings and representation in complex disputes in the Court of Protection relating to the actions of attorneys or deputies, and all other disputes about a person’s capacity or best interests. We also provide advice and representation before the High Court when it acts under its Inherent Jurisdiction in relation to vulnerable adults.

• Acted on behalf of a billionaire with Lewy Body Dementia, in proceedings brought by his brother; involved allegations of restrictions on contact and of manipulation and undue influence in the creation of his lasting powers of attorney.
• Acted on behalf of a very-high-net-worth Montenegrin national living with dementia; she was resident in London but her sister argued that she should be returned to live in Montenegro, against the wishes of her attorney and the relevant authorities. She remained in London in line with her latterly expressed wishes.
• Acted on the instructions of a high-net-worth individual whose wife lacked capacity to make decisions about where she lived; the relevant authority had concerns about his exercise of control over her in their marital home. The concerns were ultimately deemed unfounded.
• Acted on the instructions of the mother of a young man with severe learning difficulties; challenged inadequate provision of services in his private supported living placement and a lack of court authorisation. He was moved to alternative accommodation and an authorisation was granted, with his mum appointed as the relevant person’s representative (RPR).
• Acted on behalf of a severely disabled young woman moved to England from the United States by her mother; the proceedings dealt with mother’s application for recognition of Letters of Guardianship granted in New York, a challenge to the Standard Authorisation in place at the time and further care planning and a trial placement in the care of mother.
• Acted on behalf of an elderly client seeking to challenge an NHS decision to amputate his leg, arising from unstable diabetes.
• Acted on behalf of an Irish man living with dementia in a London care home. He wished to return to Ireland but this option had not been investigated on his behalf. He returned to Ireland in line with his wishes.
• Acted for a Deputy in proceedings brought against her brother to recover misappropriated assets and which concluded by settlement under the terms of a statutory will.
• Acted for an attorney in defending claims against her incapacitated husband which involved claims by his brother to property, based on constructive trust and/or mistake and forgery of the trust deeds. The matter was also in the First-tier Property Tribunal and was resolved by complete withdrawal of the claim in favour of the client following a negotiated settlement.
• Acted for an attorney in a successful application to the Court of Protection to make IHT mitigating gifts.
• Client has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and is therefore unable to manage his own finances. Instruction was given to take over the deputyship and an extensive review was required of the finances as the previous deputy had not considered the cashflow position and affordability of paying large gratuitous care payments on top of privately funded care. His funds are now set to last until he is 99 years old whereas it would have previously run out in his 70s.
• Client suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2015 in a road traffic accident which resulted permanent cognitive impairment. Appointment of deputyship was obtained as client struggles handling large sums of money. Global capitalised settlement in excess of £17M.

Our specialist team provide strategic guidance on regulatory compliance across the healthcare sector.

We advise NHS bodies and private providers on navigating complex regulatory frameworks, including CQC registration, MHRA compliance, and professional standards. We have proven expertise in advising on robust compliance strategies, managing investigations, and responding to enforcement actions.

Our dedicated healthcare lawyers provide strategic advice to healthcare practitioners on regulatory compliance and fitness to practise matters, assisting doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals facing complaints, investigations, hearings, and appeals by the following regulatory bodies:

• Care Quality Commission (CQC)
• General Chiropractic Council (GCC)
• General Dental Council (GDC)
• General Medical Council (GMC)
• General Optical Council (GOC)
• General Osteopathic Council (GOsC)
• General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

A review or investigation into your practice by the CQC can be a daunting prospect. Our healthcare regulation team support and advise health and social care professionals and practices being investigated by the regulator, prepare for inspections, and respond adequately to any queries.

• Advised and represented provider clients in relation to a high-profile CQC prosecution.
• Advised healthcare app provider on CQC registration.
• Advised on CQC registrations.
• Advised UK and international clients on whether their provision falls within the requirements for CQC registration.
• Represented one of the UK’s Top 50 providers of residential homes and hospitals for individuals with learning disabilities, mental health issues, behaviours that challenge and autism in CQC, HIW and NMC investigations – all resulting in no action against the provider or its staff.
• Retained healthcare regulatory solicitor to the UK’s largest independent pharmacy chain, advising on all issues ranging from advertising of medicines to prescription direction.
• Successfully challenged CQC ratings and factually inaccurate draft Inspection Reports, including securing the reversal of a ‘requires improvement’ rating to an overall ‘good’ rating.
• Successfully challenging CQC Notices of Proposal and Notices of Decision for residential and nursing home providers across England, including many successful First Tier Tribunal appeals quashing CQC Notices of Decision to cancel registration. Instructed by both owners and third parties including restructuring and insolvency practitioners.
• Successfully secured the withdrawal of CQC from two First-tier Tribunal appeals made by two registered adult social care providers, preventing the closure of the care establishments.

A complaint to the GCC will require astute legal advice to advise on how to respond to the complaint and to support you if you are required to go before a Council committee. As experts in healthcare regulation, our lawyers guide through each step of the process.

• Successfully conducted fitness to practise investigations on behalf of the GCC, involving complex clinical conduct, deficient professional performance, health, fraud, and dishonesty issues.
• Successfully conducted fitness to practise investigations on behalf of the GCC from Investigating Committee through to Professional Conduct Committee stage, including cases involving complex clinical conduct, inappropriate conduct, dishonesty, sexually motivated behaviour and dishonesty.
• Provided training to Investigating Committee Panellists in relation to dishonesty and integrity and the application of the GCC’s Fitness to Practise Rules.

Should concerns be raised about your dental practice, health, or behaviour, you may need to contact a lawyer for advice. Our healthcare regulation specialists understand that this can be a long and distressing process and will assist you throughout the investigation in a professional and sensitive manner.

• Acted for a dentist in multiple proceedings before the GDC and PCT, successfully avoiding erasure and advising on remediation.
• Successfully conducted fitness to practise investigations on behalf of the GDC involving complex clinical conduct, deficient professional performance, health, fraud, and dishonesty issues.
• Prepared reports on fitness to practise function for Chair and Chief Executive at the GDC.
• Interviewed and recruited case examiners along with providing training for case examiners and competency assessors at the GDC.
• Trained fitness to practise panellists at the GDC.
• Successfully conducted fitness to practise investigations and progressed cases to the Professional Conduct Committee on behalf of the GDC, including complex clinical cases, as well as cases involving sexual misconduct, deficient professional performance, health, fraud and dishonesty.
• Represented an orthodontist in the GDC in a matter concerning lack of run‑off cover/appropriate indemnity post‑retirement as a dentist, alleged lack of informed consent, failure to diagnose periodontal disease, and inappropriate treatment with a fixed appliance.
• Successfully represented dentists at Rule 4 of the GDC process.
• Appeared as advocates before the Interim Orders Committee and Health Committee.

Our team of healthcare regulatory experts are frequently instructed by doctors to defend them in investigations and proceedings brought before the GMC. As experts in their field, our lawyers provide support and advice from the time that the initial investigation is launched right through to disciplinary hearings.

• Prepared persuasive Rule 7 submissions on a matter that involved allegations of sexual misconduct by a spinal surgeon, which resulted in the GMC closing the case at the Rule 8 stage despite conflicting factual accounts.
• Represented a doctor specialising in sports medicine and orthobiologics in the GMC in a matter concerning use of off-label drugs, alleged failure to diagnose high-grade shoulder injury, consent, and record keeping.
• Acted for doctors in specialisms including Psychiatry, Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery to overturn the GMC’s refusal of their applications for specialist registration/CESR.
• Successfully represented a consultant orthopaedic surgeon in a GMC Fitness to Practise investigation concerning pioneering double-plane osteotomy knee surgery and coding for health insurance.
• Representing a doctor in GMC fitness to practise proceedings arising from a Daily Mail undercover sting. Daily Mail journalist provided false information to try and obtain a sick note and then published the consultation under the headline “Websites where NHS doctors will sign you off sick for a £25 fee”.
• Successfully defended a Consultant General Surgeon at a Medical Practitioners Tribunal hearing in 2022. The case related to the care provided to a former patient, and included allegations relating to pre-operative assessments, the standard of the procedure itself, and his post-operative care. The Tribunal made a finding of no impairment, and no sanction was imposed.
• Successfully defended a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and NHS Medical Director in MHPS proceedings and then before the GMC in connection with multiple allegations of misconduct and deficient professional performance arising from undertaking private work whilst second on call.
• Represented a Consultant Obstetrician in an NHS Trust Maintaining High Professional Standards (MHPS) investigation where he faced allegations that he had dishonestly altered the patient’s medical records for his own purposes. The case was concluded with a final written warning.
• Represented an orthopaedic surgeon in long-running GMC proceedings with wide-ranging clinical and non-clinical allegations resulting in no allegations being found proved.
• Acting on behalf of a Consultant Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon in a GMC investigation relating to complaints made by eight former patients in respect of rhinoplasty procedures, a number of which are also being pursued as clinical negligence claims.
• Successfully conducted a Medical Act section 40 High Court appeal against the GMC, overturning a finding that the doctor (a Consultant Anaesthetist) was culpable for his actions whilst suffering from an episode of psychosis caused by an adverse reaction to prescribed medication.
• Advising a medical student in a fitness to practise case following serious allegations inappropriate sexual touching, possession and use of prescription drugs.
• Prepared a Rule 28 application that resulted in all charges being withdrawn against a plastic surgeon shortly before the commencement of a fitness to practise hearing before a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Hearing.
• Prepared persuasive Rule 7 submissions on a matter that involved allegations of sexual misconduct by a spinal surgeon, which resulted in the GMC closing the case at the Rule 8 stage despite conflicting factual accounts.
• Successfully defended a GP before a Medical Practitioners Tribunal in a 10-day listed case of alleged digital and metal speculum instrument intimate (vaginal) examination, with every allegation not proven, no misconduct found and the GP’s fitness to practise found not to be impaired.
• Successfully represented a Consultant Plastic Surgeon on a matter that involved both clinical and probity allegations, relating to the care provided to a former patient. Attended a Doctor’s Meeting with the GMC Case Examiner and the client and provided a detailed Rule 7 response to the allegations. This resulted in the GMC closing the case with advice at the Rule 8 stage.
• Acting on behalf of a Consultant Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon in a GMC investigation relating to complaints made by eight former patients in respect of rhinoplasty procedures, a number of which are also being pursued as clinical negligence claims.
• Assisted on The Hooper Review, which examined the GMC’s processes for handling whistleblower cases and contributed to streamlining internal practices and drafting regulatory guidance on behalf of regulatory bodies.
• Represented a GMC registered doctor and successfully overturned an erasure from the Medical Register, involving proven allegations of dishonesty, in an appeal to the High Court.
• Represented a healthcare regulatory body in a technically complex case which considered the fitness of a student registrant to undertake training.
• Assisted a GMC-registered doctor in respect of their involvement in a high-profile case which led to an inquest, a change in NHS protocol and a CQC criminal investigation.
• Defended a doctor in the MPTS concerning off-label use of orthobiologics for shoulder injury.
• Acted for a GMC-registered doctor and successfully appealed the imposition of an interim order of conditions by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal in the High Court.

Our team of healthcare regulatory experts advise optometrists and optical professionals on conduct and investigations.

• Acted for the General Optical Council (GOC) in the prosecution of a Registered Optometrist charged with gross negligence manslaughter in 2013 in connection with the death of a 7-year-old patient from papilloedema (swelling of the optic nerve).
• Acting on behalf of the General Optical Council (GOC) in a challenge brought by the Professional Standards Authority against a decision of the GOC’s Fitness to Practise Committee against a Registered Optometrist charged with gross negligence manslaughter. This is an important case for the optometry profession – arguably as important as Bawa-Garba was for doctors.

If you are a professional registered with the GOsC and are subject to an investigation by the regulator, you will require specialised legal advice. Our healthcare regulation lawyers can advise you on fitness to practise hearings, disciplinary proceedings, and ongoing investigations to ensure you receive robust legal advice and support.

• Advising osteopaths on conduct, complaints, and investigations.

If a complaint has been raised about you as a pharmacist or pharmacy professional and your conduct or fitness to practise has been called into question by the GPhC, our team of experienced healthcare regulatory lawyers can assist you throughout the investigation and provide comprehensive legal advice whether you are facing interim suspension applications, substantive proceedings, and appeals.

• Successfully conducted fitness to practise investigations on behalf of GPhC involving complex clinical conduct, deficient professional performance, health, fraud, and dishonesty issues.
• Successfully defended a Superintendent Pharmacist before the MHRA and General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), in a case which ran from 2018 until the final Committee hearing in 2023 and concluded with no criminal charges or adverse regulatory findings.
• Defended a Superintendent Pharmacist before the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), in a case arising from over £1.05m worth of prescription drugs from the client’s pharmacy being sold on the black market. GPhC hearing concluded with no adverse findings or action against our pharmacist client.
• Retained healthcare regulatory solicitor to the UK’s largest independent pharmacy chain, advising on all issues ranging from advertising of medicines to prescription direction.

If you are a professional registered with the HCPC and are subject to an investigation by the regulator, you will require specialised legal advice. Our healthcare regulation lawyers can advise you on fitness to practise hearings, disciplinary proceedings and ongoing investigations to ensure you receive robust legal advice and support.

• Defended a radiographer before the HCPC in connection with lack of competence allegations regarding 146 patients – no impairment found.
• Represented a senior paramedic in (i) an IOPC investigation, (ii) a complex Article 2 (Human Rights Act Right to Life) Inquest before a Jury and (iii) HCPC fitness to practise proceedings arising from the death of a detainee in Police custody. Succeeded in getting HCPC proceedings struck out as an abuse of process.
• Successfully conducted Front Loading investigations on behalf of the HCPC.
• Successfully acted for paramedics before the Investigating Committee and Conduct and Competence Committee Panels of the HCPC.
• Represented a paramedic in the first fitness to practise case arising from delayed patient treatment due to lack of appropriate PPE during the Covid-19 pandemic. The case attracted widespread national and international attention. Ultimately established that the paramedic’s actions did not amount to misconduct.
• Represented an interested party in the HPC in a matter concerning whistleblowing and alleged bullying.
• Defended a radiographer before the HCPC in connection with lack of competence allegations regarding 146 patients – no impairment found.
• Reported case: HCPC & Christopher Wood [2019] EWHC 2819 (Admin).
• Reported case: Professional Standards Authority for Health & Social Care v HCPC & Andrew Roberts [2020] EWHC 1906 (Admin).

As a nurse or midwife, you will be subject to the requirements set out in the Code which signify what good nursing and midwifery practice looks like. Should your conduct be called into question, our team of healthcare regulation lawyers will advise and support you on how to respond to any claims and/or investigations.

• Represented one of the UK’s Top 50 providers of residential homes and hospitals for individuals with learning disabilities, mental health issues, behaviours that challenge and autism in CQC, HIW and NMC investigations – all resulting in no action against the provider or its staff.
• Successfully conducted fitness to practise investigations on behalf of the NMC involving complex clinical conduct.
• Successfully defended a registered nurse in criminal proceedings charged with the wilful neglect of a care home resident who suffered from dementia. Also instructed to represent the nurse’s interests in the regulatory investigation by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
• Carried out investigations on behalf of the NMC including obtaining witness evidence and the provision of advice to the Case Examiners on prospects / outcome.
• Advised on defective decision making within the NMC and referrals back to committees.
• Advised on how to efficiently progress a large backlog of cases within the NMC.