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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Sintetica Symposium – Choice, consent and anaesthetists
*Sponsored symposia*
How would you feel if I took away your right to a choice in everyday life?
What would it feel like if you discovered there was an option available to you, but it hadn’t been offered? Is it our duty, indeed legal obligation, to inform patients of all available therapeutic options, or are there circumstances when we can act in the best interest of the patient?
Sintetica Limited is hosting a unique “Question Time” panel discussion to debate these questions and others from the symposium audience regarding choice and consent. We know choice and consent are topical and we believe that more should be done to highlight the issues and ensure every patient gets offered a choice, especially with regards to regional anaesthesia and day surgery. An aspect of this debate is how the law views these issues and whether or not as a specialty we are in breach of the law?
The panel includes Ampersand’s Lauren Sutherland QC. The other members of the panel are:
- Chair: Dr Mike Nathanson (Immediate Past Honorary Secretary, Association of Anaesthetists)
- Dr William Harrop-Griffiths (RCoA and ex-President of Association of Anaesthetists)
- David Bogod (RCoA and ex-President of the OAA)
- Simon Fletcher (Vice President RCoA)
- Morne Wolmarans (ex-President RAUK)
- Mary Stocker (ex-President BADS)
- Representative of the GMC
Booking
This symposium is free to attend. No booking is required. Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Lunch will be provided at the symposium.
This industry-supported lunchtime symposium is supported by Sintetica Limited.
Details here.
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Top Rankings success in latest Chambers and Partners UK Bar Guide
Ampersand has again received top tier rankings across a number of areas of practice in the latest published guide to the legal profession, Chambers and Partners UK Bar Guide 2019.
Ampersand received 56 listings across 17 areas of practice, ranking as top tier (band 1) in Clinical Negligence as a Set, and band 2 in Administrative & Public law, Civil Liberties & Human Rights, Commercial Dispute Resolution, Planning & Environment, Personal Injury, Product Liability and Restructuring/Insolvency as a Set. 4 members are noted as “star individuals”.
Noted as a Band 1 set for Clinical Negligence, Ampersand has 16 rankings in this area. The guide says “Ampersand enjoys an excellent reputation in the field of Scottish clinical negligence litigation. It houses a large number of advocates who specialise in the pursuit and defence of clinical negligence cases, including both QCs and juniors. Matters commonly dealt with include brain and spinal injury claims as well as fatal accident inquiries. Members are skilled at handling high-profile group actions, such as the recent suits regarding vaginal mesh implants. Sources highlight the stable’s impressive offering in the area and the “great strength and depth” of its advocates.” The listing includes Maria Maguire QC as a “Star Individual”.
Band 2 listings include Administrative and Public law where Ampersand’s frequent level public law challenges across a wide range of practice areas noted. In Civil Liberties & Human Rights the Band 2 listing notes Ampersand as a “dynamic group of public law and human rights advocates” and that “Ampersand Advocates is particularly well known for advising on the ECHR and the intersection between UK and EU law.”
In Commercial Dispute Resolution it states “Ampersand Advocates offers a strong bench of versatile and well-regarded commercial dispute resolution practitioners. The stable houses a number of silks and juniors experienced in general commercial litigation, with proficiency in disputes concerning insolvency, professional negligence and construction in particular. Advocates are also noted for their abilities in contentious matters involving planning, commercial contracts and intellectual property, often representing large companies and financial institutions”. Ampersand’s Commercial expertise is further noted in Restructuring and Insolvency, which includes “Star Individual” David Sellar QC, stating Ampersand “Home to leading silks for restructuring and insolvency in Scotland. They are regularly instructed by insolvency administrators, directors and shareholders in a variety of matters ranging from the interaction of insolvency law with public regulatory schemes to allegations of wrongful trading. The advocates have good expertise in relation to jurisdictional matters.”
Ampersand’s Personal Injury work is again acknowledged with the guide noting “A well-reputed personal injury stable on the Scottish Circuit, noted for its expert handling of complex catastrophic injury and fatal claims on behalf of both pursuers and defenders. It is regularly instructed by several leading Scottish law firms, as well as major insurers and government agencies.” It also notes that our “members also have experience appearing before fatal accident inquiries, representing health boards, doctors and hospitals, as well as bereaved families and individuals. Ampersand’s advocates are regularly involved in high-value and complex personal injury claims, and have litigated cases in the Sheriff Courts, the Court of Session and the Supreme Court.” The listing includes Maria Maguire QC and Graham Primrose QC as “Star Individuals”.
In Planning and Environment it states “Ampersand Advocates includes a number of advocates who specialise in planning and environmental law. It excels in handling judicial reviews and planning challenges, and has substantive expertise in the communications, transport and energy sectors. Its clients include local councils, conservation bodies and developers.” This includes “Star Individual” Malcolm Thomson QC. Ampersand is also a Band 2 set in Product Liability stating “A prominent player in product liability matters, with additional bench strength in the areas of personal injury and professional liability. Members routinely act in cases involving defective medical devices and claims relating to industrial product liability. They are experienced in the representation of defenders and pursuers, both in individual cases and in group actions.”
The Clerks also receive high praise again stating “the clerking is excellent” noting “the clerking team is very responsive and experienced. The quality shines through.” and “team is very accommodating and helpful. The clerks respond to enquiries timeously”.
Ampersand’s full listings can be viewed on the Chambers and Partners website here.
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