Shane Dundas
Shane Dundas called to the Bar in 2019 having completed his traineeship with one of Scotland’s leading litigation firms.
He has experience in the areas of professional liability, commercial litigation, personal injury and industrial disease. He has appeared regularly in the Sheriff Court, having conducted several proofs and debates. During devilling, he built upon his experience in these areas, as well as gaining exposure to clinical negligence, professional regulation and public law issues.
Shane has a particular interest in professional (including clinical) liability, commercial law, information technology and media law.
He completed his LLB and Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Edinburgh, where he was President of the University of Edinburgh Mooting Society.
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Ampersand Advocates shortlisted for Chambers of the Year at British Claims Awards 2019
Ampersand is delighted to be shortlisted for Chambers of the Year at the British Claims Awards 2019.
The British Claims Awards champions ‘Claims as a Service’ throughout all lines of insurance and industry. Teams and individuals from insurers, brokers, MGAs, law firms and other specialists will be recognised for their work in improving the claims landscape for customers.
Details of all the 2019 finalists can be viewed here. The winners will be announced at a ceremony taking place on 6th June 2019 in London.
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Lauren Sutherland QC speaking at main Breast Surgery conference
Ampersand’s Lauren Sutherland QC has been invited to speak at the Association of Breast Surgery Conference 2019, taking place on 13th and 14th May in Glasgow.
Speaking in Session 4 on “Key messages for everyday practice: Clinical Practice & Standards” Lauren will discuss Medico-legal cases.
The Association of Breast Surgery (ABS) is the association for healthcare professionals caring for any person with a breast problem.
The ABS is a charitable organisation dedicated to setting and advancing standards in breast care and breast surgery, including cosmetic (aesthetic) breast surgery. Their work ranges from breast diagnostic clinics, where any woman or man who has a breast concern can be seen and assessed, through to complex oncoplastic breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction.
The ABS wants to ensure that any individual with a breast problem receives the very best possible care. They aim to achieve this by providing ongoing specialist breast education and training to allow ABS members to remain up-to-date with the latest research developments, new treatments and surgical techniques. They also encourage best practice by working with NICE, the CQC and other associations and charities interested in breast care, to develop clinical guidelines based on high quality research recommendations from around the world. In addition, they drive up standards and reduce regional variations in care by regularly auditing the performance of individuals and breast teams. The conferences promote good practice through information sharing and networking.
Full details on the conference and how to book can be found on the ABS website here.
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Infected Blood Inquiry evidence begins
The first evidence from the infected and affected began today in the UK-wide Infected Blood Inquiry.
The Inquiry will examine why men, women and children in the UK were given infected blood and/or infected blood products, the impact on their families, how the authorities (including government) responded, the nature of any support provided following infection, questions of consent and whether there was a cover-up.
In the opening statement from the Sir Brian Langstaff, Chair of the Inquiry he said:
“Today is a significant day for the Inquiry. It’s the day we first hear evidence given orally.”
“I want to thank the many who have volunteered statements…some are harrowing, some moving, some chilling. All are valuable.”
“At the preliminary hearings I set out the principles guiding this Inquiry: putting people at its heart, being as quick as reasonable thoroughness permits, respecting a person’s right to be heard, being open and transparent, being independent and being frightened of no one.”
“Every statement the Inquiry receives will be read. Each will be different, and each is important. And the evidence of all those who have made, or will make, statements is of real value, whether or not they give it orally.”
“For many making a statement has been, and for some it yet will be, an act of bravery…. It may have stirred up, and may yet stir up, distressing memories. I understand some simply cannot bring themselves to make a statement because it is too much.”
“I am here to listen. I have much to learn and the oral evidence will be an important part of that.”
In her opening statement, Jenni Richards QC, Counsel to the Inquiry, said:
“The fulfilment of the terms of reference requires us to look at treatment, to look at warnings, to examine adequacy of information provided and the adequacy of support and care given.”
“Those who are not being called to give evidence should know that every statement is read and every statement will inform our findings and every statement will be published.”
“I would like to update on the work of the Inquiry. The scale is unprecedented. So far the Inquiry has received 1200 witness statements and we expect the same again in the coming months. Large scale searches are taking place.”
“Further plans for hearings, following those in October, the Inquiry intends to build on evidence from individuals by hearing from some clinical experts giving evidence about impact. There will then be a pause to review evidence before further hearings beginning in Spring.”
Ampersand’s Aidan O’Neill QC with Jamie Dawson (and Kirsten Sjovoll of Matrix Chambers) as junior counsel, act for Haemophilia Scotland and the Scottish Infected Blood Forum instructed by Thompsons Solicitors (Scotland). Ampersand’s Simon Bowie QC (with Barney Ross of Compass Chambers) is for the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and Health Boards is instructed by the Central Legal Office, NHS National Services Scotland.
Details of the Inquiry can be found on the Inquiry website here.
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Inspire MediLaw event: Clinical Negligence Conference
An Inspire MediLaw event, chaired by Ampersand’s Lauren Sutherland QC.
Pulmonary embolism remains the leading cause of preventable in-hospital death. Thromboprophylaxis is the most important patient safety strategy in patients admitted to hospital.
As part of each speaker’s presentation on medico-legal issues in their field generally, we will also consider the use of thromboprophylaxis in patients within that specific practice area.
Chaired by Lauren Sutherland QC, this conference offers claimant and defendant lawyers the opportunity to learn from, and network with, leading consultants and medico-legal professionals.
Full details and how to sign up can be found on the Inspire MediLaw website here.
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Ampersand Advocates Summer Clinical Negligence Seminar 2019
Our annual Clinical Negligence seminar for 2019 took place on 17th June 2019.
Chaired by Vinit Khurana QC, the programme was:
- 9:40am – Registration, tea and coffee
- 9.55am – Welcome and opening remarks from Chair, Vinit Khurana QC
- 10am – Dr Alex Stirling, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, from the CMOS’ department “Realistic Medicine”.
- 10:35am – Euan Mackenzie QC “Procedural issues in clinical negligence litigation”
- 11:10am to 11:40am – Break
- 11:40am – Archie MacSporran, advocate on “The introduction of periodical payment orders”
- 12:15pm – Dr John Millar, Consultant radiologist on “In the dark? – The philosophy of error”
- 12:50pm to 1.45pm – Lunch
- 1:45pm – Dr Stephen Hearns, Consultant in Emergency Medicine “Decision making under pressure”
- 2:20pm – Isla Davie, advocate with a Case law update
- 3pm to 3.30pm – Break
- 3:30pm – Dr Sarah Cooper, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, “Is my baby normal?”
- 4pm – Closing remarks & questions
- 4.05pm to 5pm – Drinks and Social hour
As part of our commitment to this area of practice there was no charge to attend this event.
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