We are starting to see more and more healthcare professionals being called to give evidence at coroner’s inquests and it is vital that you receive the right advice and representation.
This is particularly important for doctors. Good Medical Practice 2013 requires you to notify the General Medical Council (GMC) if you are criticised by the coroner at an inquest. It is of course also open to a deceased patient’s family or the coroner themselves to notify the GMC if they have concerns.
Our specialist team of defence lawyers has many years’ experience in dealing with inquests and can advise and represent you at each stage of the inquest process. We offer sensible and practical advice, and can help you decide whether to accept representation which may be provided by your employer, or instruct your own lawyer.
We are experienced in drafting witness statements and can advise you on any risks or difficult questions you may face when called to give evidence at court. We also regularly act as advocates at the Coroner’s Court and our breadth of experience in working with healthcare professionals means that we can advise on any further investigations which might arise from the coroner’s inquest, such as criminal proceedings or referrals to your regulator.
The coroner has the power to make and publish recommendations to prevent future deaths, and we often act for organisations and businesses, offering high-quality, practical and tailored advice on issues that the coroner may raise. This allows you to act positively and make changes to your working practices in advance of a hearing to avoid a Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) report being issued.
