Services and Areas of Expertise

Medico-Legal Reporting Services

1. CPR 35 Court Compliant Full Reports (Liability & Causation)

I provide comprehensive expert witness reports that fully comply with Part 35 of the Civil Procedure Rules. These reports are prepared for use in clinical negligence litigation and include:

  • Detailed chronological analysis of the clinical care provided
  • Assessment of adherence to relevant standards of care, national guidelines (NICE, RCOG, RCM), and trust policies
  • Expert opinion on breach of duty and liability
  • Analysis of causation, including assessment of whether substandard care caused or contributed to the alleged injury
  • Clear, evidence-based reasoning supporting all conclusions
  • Full declaration of understanding of CPR 35 duties and confirmation of impartiality

Reports are structured to be accessible to both legal professionals and clinical colleagues, with technical terminology clearly explained. I am available to provide supplementary reports, attend conferences with Counsel, and give evidence in Court if required.

2. Limited Screening Advisory Reports

These are preliminary reports designed to assist solicitors in the early stages of case assessment. A screening report provides:

  • An initial expert opinion on the potential merits of a claim
  • Identification of key clinical issues and areas requiring further investigation
  • Guidance on whether a full expert report is warranted
  • Cost-effective early case evaluation

Screening reports are particularly useful for determining whether to pursue a case to full instruction, helping to manage risk and cost exposure efficiently.

3. Early Notification NHS Resolution Reports

I have significant experience in providing expert reports under the NHS Resolution Early Notification Scheme (ENS). This scheme applies to cases involving:

  • Babies diagnosed with severe brain injury (Grade III hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy) thought to have occurred during or shortly after birth
  • Babies who developed severe brain injury and who may have experienced a period of oxygen deprivation during birth

ENS reports are prepared to tight timescales and require rapid, thorough analysis. I understand the specific requirements and objectives of the scheme, including the assessment of whether the case meets the ENS criteria and providing an opinion on breach of duty and causation.

Statement of Impartiality

I understand my overriding duty is to the Court, as stipulated by the Civil Procedure Rules Part 35. I accept instructions from Claimants, Defendants, and on a Joint basis.

I maintain a balanced portfolio of work to ensure complete objectivity. My current approximate split of work is:

  • Claimant work: 40%
  • Defendant work: 40%
  • NHS Resolution / Joint instructions: 20%

This balanced approach ensures that I maintain independence and impartiality in all cases. I have no financial or professional interests that could compromise my objectivity.

Clinical Areas of Expertise

I provide expert opinion on midwifery care standards across the full spectrum of practice, including (but not limited to):

Intrapartum Care and Fetal Monitoring

  • Interpretation and analysis of Cardiotocography (CTG) traces
  • Continuous electronic fetal monitoring and intermittent auscultation
  • Recognition of pathological fetal heart rate patterns
  • Escalation and referral to obstetric medical staff
  • Decision-making regarding mode and timing of delivery

Obstetric Emergencies

  • Shoulder dystocia recognition and management
  • Cord prolapse
  • Postpartum haemorrhage
  • Eclampsia and pre-eclampsia
  • Maternal collapse
  • Uterine rupture

Birth Injuries

  • Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) and cerebral palsy
  • Brachial plexus injuries (Erb's palsy)
  • Perineal trauma (3rd and 4th degree tears)
  • Neonatal death and stillbirth

Standards of Care and Clinical Governance

  • Adherence to NICE guidelines and national standards
  • Risk assessment and management
  • Clinical record keeping and documentation
  • Communication between healthcare professionals
  • Informed consent and patient information
  • Escalation protocols and handover procedures

Antenatal and Postnatal Care

  • Antenatal screening and assessment
  • Management of high-risk pregnancies
  • Detection and management of complications (e.g., gestational diabetes, hypertension)
  • Postnatal care and identification of maternal/neonatal complications
How to Instruct Contact for Enquiries