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Hempsons welcomes new partner to head up its employment team in London
Hempsons is delighted to announce that Jon Pearce has joined our employment team in London.
Stay safe when applying the Covid-19 response PPNs
The UK Cabinet Office has published a number of Procurement Policy Notes (“PPNs”) in response to the current Covid crisis. Click to read our summary.
Joining a partnership? Get trained!
The Government has announced that it will pay for new partners joining GP practices to be trained in being a partner. Why not sign up to Hempsons’ New Partner training course?
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.
Surrogacy costs – discussion of case law and recent Supreme Court case of Whittington Hospital NHS Trust v XX
On 1 April 2020, the Supreme Court handed down Judgment in the case of Whittington Hospital NHS Trust v XX. Stephen Maratos and Vicky Rowlands discuss the case.
Medical Objects Left Inside Patients
We have had recent success in obtaining a discontinuance against the Defendant Trust in a claim involving a foreign object left in situ. Broadly, the Claimant (“C”) alleged that surgeons negligently left plastic coating in his body following removal of a spinal cord stimulator wire that had been in place for 12 years. The plastic coating of the wire was left in situ causing a low-grade infection and C suffered from related symptoms for around two years.
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.
Organ donation update
The Organ Donation (Deemed Consent) Act 2019 Regulations 2020, obtained Royal Assent in March 2019 but came into power on 20 May 2020. This means that Organ donation in England has moved to an “opt out” system. Click to read our summary.
Capacity to consent to dental treatment: Re TE [2020] 5 WLUK 300
The judgment of Mrs Justice Knowles last week illustrates potential difficulties dentists may face if a patient lacks capacity.
How will your PCN work with others?
One of the requirements of the Network Contract DES Specification for 2020/21 is for PCNs to agree how to work with local community services providers, mental health providers and community pharmacy providers.
Coming together under pressure: Network DES 2020
Justin Cumberlege, a partner in the healthcare law firm Hempsons, highlights some key points in the new Primary Care Network direct enhanced services contract
Advance care planning – a difficult path to tread?
Advance care planning which is patient specific will not only ensure it acts as a protector of patients’ rights and wishes, but will also be a shield for clinicians against complaint or claim and is an essential tool for providers in ensuring a comprehensive service.
Medico Legal Magazine – Duties of an expert witness: the importance of knowing your limits
Regulatory expert, Stephen Hooper, highlights the importance of remaining objective as an expert witness.
Podcast – The need to know on the Network Contract Direct Enhanced Service (DES)
From the contract specifics, to the key considerations and the legal and practical implications in between, this podcast offers a bitesize overview of what primary care should be mindful of before 31 May 2020.