COVID-19 portal

Be prepared for the statutory COVID-19 public inquiry

Earlier this month NHS England told local NHS organisations that they must start preparing for the statutory public inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic. Any organisation might be called upon to provide evidence for the statutory inquiry, and individuals may be required to give evidence under oath. Government said last month that a statutory public inquiry would begin in spring next year.

Covid-19 and annual leave

Can we cancel booked annual leave? Can we make staff carry forward annual leave into the next leave year? Can we force staff to take holiday?

COVID-19 public inquiry – Rt Hon Baroness Heather Hallett appointed as Chair

On 15 December the Prime Minister appointed the Rt Hon Baroness Heather Hallett DBE as Chair of the forthcoming public inquiry into the Covid-19 pandemic.

DNACPR Orders and COVID-19

In this article, Sophie Barbour explores what the law says about the way that DNACPR orders should be made in more detail and consider some practical solutions to difficulties being faced by clinicians in view of COVID-19.

Getting ready for the COVID-19 public inquiry

As we reported in June 2021, local NHS organisations have been told that they must start preparing for the statutory public inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic which is expected to begin in spring 2022. Any organisation can be called upon to provide evidence for the statutory inquiry, and individuals may be required to give evidence under oath. With extensive public inquiry experience, Hempsons is here to help.

Getting ready for the COVID-19 Public Inquiry – webinars

We have launched our COVID-19 inquiry webinar series.

Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Statutory Storage Period for Embryos and Gametes) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Regulations 2020 come into force on 1st July 2020. Click here to read our summary.

Module 3 of the UK COVID-19 Inquiry into the impact of the pandemic on healthcare has opened today

The third investigation in the Covid-19 Inquiry opened today

Newsflash: Coronavirus and Critical Care

Ventilators and the number of critical care beds are a regular feature of the Government’s daily briefings and the questions posed by the media. This newsflash explores the guidance currently available and which of the current legal provisions will be held to apply.

Newsflash: Hospital Resources Amid Covid-19

On 9 April 2020, Chamberlain J. handed down his judgment in the case of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust v MB [2020] 882 (QB) in which Hempsons and Simon Sinnatt, Counsel from 1 Crown Office Row Chambers, represented UCLH.

Newsflash: Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations in Health and Social Care Revoked

Hempsons legal experts discuss the latest VCod guidance

Scope of COVID-19 Inquiry to be broadened

Social Care Newsbrief autumn 2021

Read the autumn 2021 Social Care Newsbrief.

Telemedicine – clinical negligence considerations

Elizabeth Thomas explores the significant role of telemedicine and the steps which can reduce the burden on patients and the public purse.

The draft terms of reference for the COVID-19 Public Inquiry have been announced

The draft terms of reference for the COVID-19 public inquiry have been announced. These are wide-ranging and cover the public health response, including how and when decisions were made; how the NHS and wider health and social care system responded, including issues or capacity and resilience; and the economic response.

UK COVID-19 Inquiry launches first investigation

UK COVID-19 Inquiry Module 2 opens

On 31 August the COVID-19 Inquiry opened its second investigation, Module 2, focusing on government decision making.

UK COVID-19 Public Inquiry online consultation ends at 23:59 on 7 April 2022

The UK COVID-19 Public Inquiry will examine the UK’s pandemic response and identify learning and make recommendations to support the UK being better prepared to respond to future pandemics.

Whistleblowing and Covid-19: implications and key considerations for GP practices

Covid-19 has brought safety concerns and whistleblowing protections into sharp relief. Martin Cheyne explores some implications for practices to watch out for.