Accountability for mistakes and the government proposals for fixed costs for civil claims. I read about the collapse of the criminal case against a NHS Trust involving the tragic death of teacher Frances Cappuccini last week with great sadness for her partner and family. However there is another aspect to consider, namely whether criminal prosecution […]
The National Health Service (NHS) was created out of the ideal that a good standard of healthcare should be freely available to all, regardless of wealth. When the then Minister of Health, Aneurin Bevan launched the NHS it was based on three core principles: That it meet the needs of everyone That it be free […]
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (“PHSO”) is a body set up by Parliament to investigate complaints that have not been resolved by the NHS in England and UK government departments and other UK public organisations. It estimates that complaints about potentially avoidable deaths make up around 20% of the NHS complaints that it investigates. Earlier this month […]
Are the UK’s strike laws so stringent that they inhibit the right of freedom of association under Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)? The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) sought to challenge the domestic provisions by claiming such an infringement. UK law bans secondary industrial action, where […]
Changes to employment tribunal procedure and the usual statutory rate changes came into effect on or after 6 April 2014. Employment tribunals Individuals who wish to bring a claim at an employment tribunal from 6 May will have to inform Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service). Instead of filling in an ET1 form and sending […]
Earlier this week, I represented the family at the Inquest into Victoria Harrison’s untimely death. Victoria (26.10.94-16.08.12), who liked to be known as Tor, died aged 17 at Kettering General Hospital after an operation to remove her appendix. During the operation an artery was severed and repaired but, tragically Victoria bled again later and opportunities […]