Healthcare in London

Bevan Brittan LLP

Bevan Brittan LLP‘s team exhibits ‘unrivalled experience‘ in advising clinical commissioners and NHS trusts, property services, and resolution organisations on PFI variations, the Health and Care Act 2022, and estates disposals. The team is particularly adept at assisting NHS bodies with engagement with the Covid-19 public enquiry, in addition to issues concerning mental capacity and safeguarding. Practice head Joanna Lloyd is a clinical negligence expert, with an emphasis on obstetric and brain injuries, while Vincent Buscemi has a great deal of expertise in acting for developers, operators, and organisations on corporate vehicles, service transfers, and public engagement. Rosemary Jago primarily focuses on assisting NHS clients with procurement and delivery issues, including the funding of new hospitals and key worker accommodation, while Letitia Winterflood-Blood, who was promoted to partner in May 2023, has extensive experience in partnership and contractual matters, often advising NHS trusts on mergers and joint ventures. Carly Caton left the team to join Browne Jacobson LLP in November 2022.

Practice head(s):

Joanna Lloyd


Other key lawyers:

Rosemary Jago; Letitia Winterflood-Blood; Vincent Buscemi


Testimonials

‘They represent many of the major players in the healthcare sector, including NHS England. Unrivalled experience, and are acting on most of the major cases.’

‘A very professional firm who are valued. They are experts, having a specialist on hand whenever approached.’

‘Letitia Winterflood-Blood is extremely engaging and highly knowledgeable in her field. I have every confidence in the advice she gives which is always in a timely and efficient manner.’

‘I have been impressed with the professionalism, knowledge and approachability of the team.’

Key clients

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust


Barts Health NHS Trust


NHS Property Services Limited


Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust


Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust


University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust


The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust


NHS England


Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust


The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust


The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAH)


The Christie NHS Foundation Trust


NHS North West London ICB


Siemens Healthcare Limited


King Edward VII Hospital (KEVII)


Work highlights


  • Advising Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust on a shared service project, under which the occupational health services across the whole of the North West London Integrated Care System will be provided to all staff of all partners, based on the Central and North West London model.
  • Advising Royal Free Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on the formation of a corporate joint venture entity to carry out the activities of UCL Health Alliance, a provider alliance and collaborative comprised of 15 separate entities across the local health economy in North Central London.
  • Advising Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust on the restructuring of its property development joint venture with Henry Boot Developments.

Browne Jacobson LLP

Gerard Hanratty leads the practice at Browne Jacobson LLP, which is noted for its ‘unparalleled depth of knowledge‘. The team regularly acts for NHS Resolution, health boards, and NHS trusts in matters concerning inquests, governance, and policy. The team also has extensive capabilities in the areas of mental health and Court of Protection cases, in addition to the reformation of primary care provision. Hanratty advises NHS organisations on governance and service reconfiguration projects, while Christian Dingwall utilises his corporate and regulatory expertise to advise clients on partnerships, the merging of trusts, and integrated care joint ventures. Charlotte Harpin has extensive experience in integrated care system development, and data sharing arrangements. Carly Caton, who offers an ‘exceptionally high level of support‘, joined the team from Bevan Brittan LLP in November 2022, contributing her vast knowledge of collaborations between the NHS and the private sector, and income generation projects.

Practice head(s):

Gerard Hanratty


Other key lawyers:

Christian Dingwall; Charlotte Harpin; Victoria Thourgood; Carly Caton


Testimonials

‘They bring excellent stakeholder engagement skills, alongside an unparalleled depth of knowledge of the health sector.’

‘Carly Caton consistently offers an exceptionally high level of support. Always prepared to go the extra mile, Carly ensures client satisfaction remains high at all times. She combines expertise with relationship skills, insight and humour.’

Key clients

NHS England


NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board


NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board


Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust


Wrightington Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust


South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


Bolton NHS Foundation Trust


Dudley Integrated Health and Care NHS Trust


Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust


Stockport NHS Foundation


Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust


North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust


Prime PLC


Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust


Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust


East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust


Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust


King’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust


Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust


Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust


Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board


Swansea Bay University Health Board


DAC Beachcroft LLP

The ‘excellent‘ team at DAC Beachcroft LLP is well versed in handling data and procurement issues concerning the Covid-19 data store, and appeals concerning patient treatment decisions. The ‘hugely talentedHamza Drabu heads the practice with ‘fierce intellect‘ and broad expertise in strategic commercial transactions, particularly in relation to the acquisition of NHS trusts and primary care deals. Alistair Robertson is known for his knowledge of judicial reviews, including those concerning the NHS response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Darryn Hale is particularly knowledgeable in the field of health information, and regularly advises clients on the use of NHS data. Udara Ranasinghe focuses on the employment aspects of healthcare, with a particular emphasis on whistleblowing cases involving doctors, while qualified barrister Jacques Howell, who joined the team from Clyde & Co in June 2022, has longstanding expertise in complex inquests work. Gemma Brannigan has broad experience in inquests and Court of Protection hearings involving medical treatment orders.

Practice head(s):

Hamza Drabu


Other key lawyers:

Alistair Robertson; Udara Ranasinghe; Jacques Howell; Gemma Brannigan; Darryn Hale


Testimonials

‘Excellent all round.’

‘DACB has a fantastic reputation in the UK healthcare sector and, increasingly, internationally too. Their offering shows a depth and breadth of experience that is rare. Their technology practice is a great bonus for their digital health clients.’

‘Hamza Drabu is hugely talented, he has a fierce intellect, is extremely pragmatic and responsive to his clients’ needs on a level I have rarely encountered. Hamza leads his team with humility and conviction, and has this unerring ability to make his clients feel they are being truly heard.’

Key clients

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


Elysium Healthcare Limited


Guy’s and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust


Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust


University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust


Department of Health and Social Care


Cygnet Health Care


NHS England


Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust


NHS North East London Integrated Care Board


Work highlights


  • Advising NHS England on the Covid-19 inquiry.
  • Advising multiple London NHS hospitals on their responses to strike action from nurses and other health workers.

Hill Dickinson LLP

The team at Hill Dickinson LLP acts for a number of notable clients, including the North Central London and North East London ICBs, and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and represents them before the Court of Appeal in medical treatment cases and judicial reviews. Praised by clients for having ‘knowledge at her fingertips‘,  Kiran Bhogal leads the team with longstanding expertise in judicial reviews, often acting in public enquiries, public consultation duties, and challenges to major service reconfigurations. Andrew Craggs focuses on policy issues and patient safety matters, while Emma Stockwell regularly represents the CQC, Health Education England, and NHS England in investigations and inquiries, in addition to appearing in appeals to the Upper Tribunal against registration decisions. Andrea Proudlock joined the team from DAC Beachcroft LLP in June 2022, contributing her vast experience in NHS real estate transactions.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Craggs; Kiran Bhogal; Emma Stockwell


Other key lawyers:

Joanna Trewin; Sharon Thomas; Robert McGough; Esther Venning; Andrea Proudlock; Michael Wright; Jamie Foster; Fiona McLellan


Testimonials

‘Always available to provide assistance and advice, they been very professional and provided excellent support to the team.’

‘The team are very responsive. They have real expertise in healthcare litigation, from the partners through to the associates.’

‘Kiran Bhogal stands out as having knowledge at her fingertips around all aspects of healthcare litigation.’

Key clients

The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust


Great Manchester ICB


Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust


North Central London ICB


North East London ICB


Surrey Heartlands ICB


Guy’s and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust


Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust


The Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust


King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust


Work highlights


  • Representing The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust in the inquest into the death of a child in Manchester due to prolonged mould exposure at his home address.
  • Successfully defended NHS England and North Central London CCG in a judicial review of the CCG’s decision to approve a change of control in AT Medics, in connection with its acquisition by Operose Health.
  • Representing a widower in a case in the High Court regarding surrogacy law.

Mills & Reeve LLP

Acting for a number of integrated care boards and NHS trusts, the team at Mills & Reeve LLP dispenses advice on digitisation, infrastructure matters, and large-scale capital schemes. Practice head Jill Mason has broad expertise spanning both the Mental Health Act 1983 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005, in addition to judicial reviews and inquests. The ‘incredible’ Rob Day, having been promoted to partner in June 2022, leads on the primary care and NHS governance side, often advising both commissioners and providers on operation developments. Duncan Astill maintains his regulatory focus, often handling healthcare-related investigations and prosecutions. Jog Hundle, who has longstanding experience in employment and corporate issues within healthcare, frequently advises on discrimination and whistleblowing cases concerning medical staff.

Practice head(s):

Jill Mason


Other key lawyers:

Duncan Astill; Jog Hundle; Natalie Wade; Rob Day


Testimonials

‘Great insight into the UK health system with a commercially driven mindset.’

‘Rob Day is a gem of a person and an incredible lawyer.’

Key clients

Supply Chain Coordination Limited


NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board


Vet Partners Limited


North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust


East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust


Phoenix


NHS Staffordshire and Stoke -on-Trent Integrated Care Board


NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care|Board


South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust


Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust


The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


NHS North West London Integrated Care Board


University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust


East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust


West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust


Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


Department of Health and Social Care


General Dental Council


British Medical Association


British Medical Association Legal


NHS England


Work highlights


  • Advising Elysium Healthcare on its joint venture with Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to develop a new bespoke unit for the provision of Tier 4 Inpatient Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

Addleshaw Goddard

The team at Addleshaw Goddard handles a wide variety of matters, including both commercial transactions and competition issues, as well as disputes. The group frequently advises clients on infrastructure projects and construction issues surrounding the building and redevelopment of hospitals. Michael O’Connor co-heads the practice alongside Louise Dobson; the former primarily assists clients with transactional issues, including procurement projects, and the dissolution and acquisition of trusts, while the latter maintains a disputes-focused practice.

Practice head(s):

Michael O’Connor; Louise Dobson


Other key lawyers:

Matthew Newing; Andrew Pettinger; Nathalie Moreno


Testimonials

‘They understand our business and actively seek to understand what we want to achieve in any given matter. Sensitive to the commercial and reputational aspects as well as the legal matters.’

Key clients

University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust


Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust


Fulcrum Infrastructure Group Limited (FIG) and Fulcrum Infrastructure Management Limited


Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


Cambridge & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust


Bupa Care Homes Mercia Healthcare


Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust


Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management Limited


Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


North Tees and Hartlepool Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust


Bradford NHS Foundation Trust


Royal Free London NHS Trust


Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust


West Sussex Estates Partnership Limited


Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Atlas BFW Management Limited


The Borough Council of Worthing


West Sussex Estates Partnerships


St Helens & Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust


Work highlights


  • Advising STEP Springfield Village, the development partner to South West London and St George’s NHS Trust, on the redevelopment of its Springfield hospital site in South West London.
  • Advising the developer and Worthing Borough Council on the development of a new state-of-the-art integrated care centre providing community and mental healthcare services under one roof.
  • Advising St Helens & Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust on its acquisition of Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, where the trusts will become a single NHS Trust.

Bindmans LLP

With ‘excellent strength in depth‘, the team at Bindmans LLP predominantly represents individuals in inquests and cases involving mental health, safeguarding and palliative care issues. Practice head Laura Hobey-Hamsher is a ‘first-class lawyer‘ who is well known for acting in Court of Protection cases concerning the medical treatment, health, and welfare of individuals under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Children Act 1989. Will Whitaker exhibits ‘excellent judgment‘ when handling the full gamut of human rights issues, with particular emphasis given to health and welfare. Praised for her ‘eye for detail‘, mental health expert Elizabeth Cleaver primarily represents individuals in health and social care matters, including challenges against policies and decisions. Basmah Sahib regularly appears before the Mental Health Tribunal, and handles judicial review challenges concerning policy.

Practice head(s):

Laura Hobey-Hamsher


Other key lawyers:

Will Whitaker; Elizabeth Cleaver; Anna Thwaites; Basmah Sahib


Testimonials

‘Elizabeth Cleaver is both professional and compassionate. Her knowledge of the law is excellent and well used.’

‘Bindmans are one of the leading healthcare firms acting primarily for claimants. They have excellent strength in depth, with expertise across a wide range of related fields including public law, Court of Protection and human rights.’

‘Laura Hobey-Hamsher is a stand out practitioner, and Basmah Sahib is an excellent solicitor with great empathy for her clients. Will Whitaker is also excellent, he demonstrates excellent judgment and is always calm even in the most difficult cases.’

‘Bindmans have outstanding expertise in this area. They are extremely knowledgeable about public law principles, inquests, and about the technical subject matter. This makes them a class act.’

‘An excellent firm of solicitors with a history of providing representation over a wide range of areas, all at a very high level of skill.’

‘Elizabeth Cleaver has an extremely good brain with an eye for detail, and is able to provide empathetic support to clients.’

‘Laura Hobey-Hamsher is a first-class lawyer with a deserved reputation for detailing with complex matters before the Court of Protection.’

Blake Morgan LLP

Bruce Potter and Eve Piffaretti jointly head the ‘responsive, experienced, capable and personable‘ practice at Blake Morgan LLP. The group handles the full gamut of relevant matters, including national research programmes and public health initiatives, and public enquiries. In addition to advising conduct regulators, Piffaretti has broad knowledge of issues surrounding the safeguarding of vulnerable children and adults, and has a great deal of experience in handling issues concerning mental capacity and mental health. Utilising his vast experience of public policy within the healthcare arena, Potter regularly dispenses advice on procurement projects, inquiries, and organisational mergers.

Practice head(s):

Bruce Potter; Eve Piffaretti


Other key lawyers:

Joanne Thompson; Richard Portlock; Claire Rawle; Claire Strickland


Testimonials

‘Eve Piffaretti is outstanding in respect of her knowledge of mental health and mental capacity law and practice, and responds rapidly and calmly to critical incidents. She provides clear advice and reassurance to staff working in a challenging area, and supports organisations in considering the whole range of outcomes.’

‘Responsive, experienced, capable and personable team. Look for solutions and deliver good quality work. Good understanding of the NHS, technology, and contracts.’

Key clients

Nursing and Midwifery Council


Health and Care Professionals Council


NHS Resolution


NHS England


NHS Wales


Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority


Human Tissue Authority


InHealth Limited


Social Care Wales


Medway Community Healthcare


Welsh Government


Hywel Dda University Health Board


Work highlights


  • Advising the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s specialist services team on cases arising in healthcare settings which have been the subject of major national investigations and inquiries.
  • Acting for NHS England and the Welsh Blood Service in relation to the Infected Blood inquiry.

Capsticks LLP

Exhibiting ‘clear knowledge and understanding‘, Capsticks LLP‘s team handles the full spectrum of issues, notably, hospital redevelopment projects, and the termination of NHS PFI contracts, in addition to defending NHS employers in claims before the Employment Tribunal. Practice head Andrew Rowland utilises his employment background and ‘unrivalled experience‘ to advise NHS employers and NHS England on strike action, whisteblowing claims, and injunctive proceedings. Peter Edwards has a great deal of expertise in advising regulators and NHS bodies on their statutory powers and governance issues, while Dylan Young has ample contentious experience, with public procurement challenges being a distinctive area of focus. Stephen Tainsh leads on the corporate side, regularly assisting NHS trusts with collaboration agreements.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Rowland


Other key lawyers:

Francis Lyons; Stephen Tainsh; Sunita Raja, Peter Edwards; Dylan Young


Testimonials

‘What makes Capsticks unique is their ability to clearly walk you through complex legal structures and requirements. They explain implications and lay out options in a way that can be clearly understood by their clients. With Capsticks you feel as though they are genuinely in it for you and want you to be successful.’

‘It’s their partnership approach which makes the team stand out. They are always on hand, incredibly responsive, and provide comfort with their advice and knowledge. The whole team were great, however Dylan Young stands out. Exceptional delivery.’

‘The advice I had was very helpful and the response was quick and timely. The responsiveness and readiness to help gave a good impression.’

‘The team demonstrates clear knowledge and understanding.’

‘They have provided high-quality and timely advice consistently. This is underpinned by their understanding of the complexities, challenges and opportunities that face NHS organisations. Their advice is excellent, providing both a clear legal position and proposed pragmatic solutions. They are the go-to legal firm for complex legal issues facing the NHS.’

‘Andrew Rowland has an unrivalled experience of employment law in the NHS. He understands both the big picture and practical issues at provider level, whether complex issues relating to industrial action legislation or individual employment relations issues. I highly value Andrew’s clear and pragmatic advice at both trust and national level.’

Key clients

Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust


Oxford Health NHS Trust


NHS England


NHS Employers


University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust


NHS West Essex Integrated Care Board


North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust


South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust


West Suffolk NHS Trust


Oxford University Hospital NHS Trust


Work highlights


  • Advised Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, NHS Resolution, and Department of Health and Social Care on the compensation scheme for the victims of the maintenance technician who abused corpses in the hospital mortuary.
  • Advised North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust on the delivery of phased redevelopment.
  • Represented North West London Integrated Care Board in a procurement challenge, providing advice on the strength of the challenge and the client’s options, and preparing correspondence seeking to deter a court claim.

Clyde & Co

The team of ‘excellent lawyers‘ at Clyde & Co displays ‘unrivalled knowledge and experience‘ in representing NHS Trusts in clinical negligence claims, coroner’s inquests, and hospital PFI projects. Claire Petts leads the team, and takes a ‘firm hand and rigorous approach‘ when handling medical malpractice claims concerning brain injury. David Hansom has a great deal of public sector expertise, and often represents NHS Trusts in litigation concerning public procurement, affecting critical services. Joining as a result of the recent BLM merger, Adam Weston brings broad knowledge spanning NHS England, CQC, and hospital trust investigations, as well as allegations of misconduct and dishonesty, to the team.

Practice head(s):

Claire Petts


Other key lawyers:

David Hansom; Adam Weston


Testimonials

‘Unrivalled knowledge and experience of the sector. Highly valued, strong, and determined team members who have a clear vision of how to achieve the best outcome for their clients.’

‘Claire Petts provides exceptional leadership. She handles casework with a firm hand and rigorous approach.’

‘Very good sector knowledge and some excellent lawyers.’

Key clients

London Ambulance NHS Trust


Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust


NHS Resolution


East Kent University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Trust


Ashford & St Peters Hospitals NHS Trust


Dartford & Gravesham Hospitals NHS Trust


Kent and Medway CCG


Royal College of Nursing


RSA


Work highlights


  • Assisted a large NHS Foundation Trust with the successful resolution of complex procurement and supply chain issues arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Advised an NHS Trust which provides central purchasing services to a range of other NHS Trusts and Integrated Care Systems on the variation and extension of an existing procurement contract to take into account changes in demographics, service needs and technology.

Kennedys

The ‘great team‘ at Kennedys is well known for handling end of life proceedings, community treatment orders, and section 21A applications. Having advised the National Emergency Critical Care Committee during the Covid-19 pandemic, practice head Rob Tobin is seen as a ‘go-to lawyer‘ for NHS Trusts requiring assistance with their responses to crises concerning mental health disorder services. Daniel Freeman has broad knowledge of capacity and emergency treatments, and goes ‘above and beyond‘ when advising on the training of doctors and psychiatrists. Senior associate Indi Kaur is a ‘very knowledgeable‘ mental health specialist who regularly advises on urgent applications to the Court of Protection for decisions relating to obstetric care.

Practice head(s):

Rob Tobin


Other key lawyers:

Daniel Freeman; Claire West; Indi Kaur


Testimonials

‘A great team for healthcare advisory work. There is a lot of knowledge within the team.’

‘Daniel Freeman is always very responsive, getting the perfect balance between legal advice and practical solutions. He understands the workings of an NHS Trust and is able to give practical, pragmatic advice. He goes above and beyond. He is great at communicating with clinicians on the ground as well as senior trust executives.’

‘Indi Kaur is very knowledgeable, offering in-depth legal advice as well as practical solutions. Her knowledge and experience is of that of a partner. She offers brilliant support on complicated cases.’

Key clients

NHS Resolution


Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust


Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust


Health and Social Care Advisory Service (HASCAS)


Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


Barts Health NHS Trust


Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust


North East London NHS Foundation trust


Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust


Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust


Royal Berkshire Hospitals NHS Trust


Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust


Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust


Work highlights


  • Represented Barts Health NHS Trust in the inherent jurisdiction litigation involving the treatment of Archie Battersbee.
  • Acted for Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust in a case concerning a 26-year-old woman with a very complex mental health diagnosis and a long history of serious self-harm.
  • Represented North East London NHS Foundation Trust in the investigation into historical deaths in the Essex and East London area involving mental health patients.

Bird & Bird LLP

Known for its expertise in and focus on technology-related work, Bird & Bird LLP handles a myriad of matters, including international healthcare projects, public and private sector partnerships, and investment within the sector. The team shows great aptitude for handling data protection matters for life sciences entities. Mark Hilton jointly co-heads the practice alongside Sally Shorthose, who has broad knowledge of IP transactions and life sciences regulation. David Ayers has longstanding experience in delivering healthcare projects relating to pathology services and data protection. Senior associate Ben Woodfield focuses on assisting clients with IT contracts and intra-NHS arrangements.

Practice head(s):

Mark Hilton; Sally Shorthose


Other key lawyers:

David Ayers; Stuart Cairn; Ben Woodfield


Key clients

Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust Group


NHS London Procurement Partnership


New Landspitali Hospital


Albion Capital


Omnicell Group


Doctolib Srl


Tekacapital PLC


Horizons Ventures


uMotif Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advising Guy’s and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust on critical IT systems or arrangements, and ultimately the strategy in relation to important suppliers and systems.
  • Advising the Synnovis group on commercial contracting matters relating to its core pathology services contracts and its IT contracts.
  • Advising New Landspitali Hospital on the entire procurement process and contracts in relation to the construction of a new university hospital campus in Reykjavik.

Burges Salmon LLP

Burges Salmon LLP houses a team of ‘extremely knowledgeable, hard-working‘ practitioners who regularly advise on public private partnerships, with notable clients including Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance. Patrick Parkin leads the team with his longstanding expertise in advising NHS Trusts and hospitals on procurement projects. Richard Binns frequently handles arbitrations and disputes for independent social and healthcare providers. Lucy Pegler was promoted to partner in 2022, and often advises clients on collaborative procurement matters and framework agreements.

Practice head(s):

Patrick Parkin


Other key lawyers:

Richard Binns; Lucy Pegler


Testimonials

‘They work in small teams of extremely knowledgeable, hard-working individuals. This ensures everyone is up to speed.’

‘The team has a strong understanding of the contractual approach that the NHS takes when procuring goods and services from healthcare companies, and they apply this knowledge in a commercially pragmatic way.’

Key clients

Spire Healthcare plc


DHSC


Care Quality Commission


Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust


Optegra Eye Healthcare


Cambridge Perfusion LLP


Ludlow Street Healthcare


Ludlow Street Investment Corp.


GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance


Somerset Care


NHS Shared Business Services


Eucalyptus


Cumulus Oncology Limited


Nodus Oncology Limited


Neurochase Therapeutics Limited


Cobalt Health


Work highlights


  • Advising Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust on its collaborative procurement, alongside its NHS partners Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Lewisham, to have access to private hospital theatres for the treatment of cancer patients.
  • Advised Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, on the structuring, drafting and negotiation of a $100m zero-dose immunisation programme with non-governmental organisations to immunise children across marginalised communities, as well as on the IP elements of an agreement with MIT.
  • Advising Spire Healthcare on competition law, including merger control and compliance matters.

Fieldfisher

The team at Fieldfisher advises a varied client base of care providers and employers on regulatory issues. A particular recent highlight involves assisting the Covid-19 inquiry with its set-up and establishment. Sarah Ellson leads the team with her vast expertise in regulatory issues surrounding cannabis and CBD, regularly advising medical manufacturers, online pharmacies, and clinicians. Known for his corporate and commercial expertise, Neil Palmer assists GPs and independent providers of NHS services with M&A deals and commercial contracts.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Ellson


Other key lawyers:

Neil Palmer; Janita Good


Testimonials

‘Detail-oriented and very pragmatic.’

‘Firm is supportive and pro-active.’

Key clients

Novartis Pharma AG


MBI Technology


Fresenius Kabi Ltd


City Healthcare Partnership CIC


Optima Health Group Limited


Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority


Rowlands Pharmacies


Phoenix Healthcare


Human Tissue Authority


Roche Products


Work highlights


  • Assisting Novartis Pharma with identifying the local regulations and legislation in relation to patient support programmes in over 38 countries.
  • Defending the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority in ongoing judicial review proceedings in relation to the advice the HFEA provides on add-on treatments.
  • Assisting the UK Covid-19 inquiry with its set-up and establishment.

Irwin Mitchell

The ‘efficient, hardworking and knowledgeable‘ team at Irwin Mitchell is known for handling cases against clinical commissioning groups and NHS trusts. Yogi Amin heads the practice, often acting in cases concerning the right to die. Mathieu Culverhouse is ‘impressively knowledgeable‘ when handling mental capacity and community care issues, while Oliver Studdert regularly appears in Court of Protection cases regarding children’s rights. Angela Jackman frequently acts for vulnerable individuals in deprivation of liberty matters, and associate Rebecca Chapman focuses on access to medical care issues.

Practice head(s):

Yogi Amin


Other key lawyers:

Mathieu Culverhouse; Oliver Studdert; Angela Jackman; Rebecca Chapman


Testimonials

‘The team is efficient, hardworking and knowledgeable, with several very talented practitioners.’

‘Mathieu Culverhouse is an excellent solicitor, impressively knowledgeable about his field. He has great client skills.’

‘Rebecca Chapman is comfortable with managing difficult, urgent cases before High Court judges.’

Work highlights


  • Represented the mother of a child in Court of Protection proceedings relating to whether it was in the child’s best interests to undergo a kidney transplant.
  • Represented a client in Court of Protection proceedings in a dispute over whether they should receive a Covid-19 vaccination and the associated boosters.
  • Represented the father of a 27-year-old woman who suffered from a serious degenerative neurological condition in proceedings in the Court of Appeal concerning whether the Court of Protection has the power to make injunctions.

Rook Irwin Sweeney LLP

Boasting a specialism which is ‘second to none‘, the team at Rook Irwin Sweeney LLP maintains its focus on public law, and the human rights and interests of children and adults with disabilities. Polly Sweeney, Anne-Marie Irwin and Alex Rook jointly head up the practice. Rook focuses on the administrative side of the healthcare sector, often acting in judicial reviews, while Sweeney focuses on care package disputes and medical treatment disputes before the Court of Protection, and Irwin dispenses advice on entitlement to NHS care.

Practice head(s):

Polly Sweeney; Anne-Marie Irwin; Alex Rook


Other key lawyers:

Caroline Barrett


Testimonials

‘Rook Irwin Sweeney’s specialism in healthcare law is second to none. They are a go-to firm for any healthcare-related work.’

Key clients

Gendered Intelligence


Good Law Project Limited


Residents of St Elizabeth’s Care Home


Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Tim Nye and Kyle Holling jointly head the practice at Trowers & Hamlins LLP. Predominantly dispensing advice on the redevelopment of hospitals, the team often assists commissioners and NHS trusts. Nye primarily handles matters concerning joint ventures and M&A, and regularly advises entities within acute care, mental health, and residential nursing, while Holling utilises his expertise in real estate to assist funders, operators, and commissioners with real estate transactions.

Practice head(s):

Tim Nye; Kyle Holling


Other key lawyers:

Alison Chivers; Tom Calnan; Helen Fysh


Testimonials

‘Excellent team structure with varied skills.’

‘Detailed knowledge and experience of the core team that we access goes without saying; this is why we use T&H. However the ability to bring in resources of exceptional quality when extending beyond our core requirements is what sets T&H apart.’

Key clients

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust


Camden & Islington NHS Foundation Trust


Disabilities Trust


West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust


Swanton Care & Community


Rangeford Villages


Cygnet Healthcare Group


Stevenage Council and Vale of White Horse Council


Work highlights


  • Advised on the proposed redevelopment of the St Pancras Hospital site in London to create a new centre of mental health excellence, including the Institute of Mental Health run by University College London.
  • Advised on the acquisition, design, and construction of a new cancer research centre at Oxford Science Park for Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine.

VWV

The team at VWV has ‘invaluable insight‘ into corporate issues concerning GP surgeries, CQC-related matters, and PCN disputes. Ben Willis heads the team alongside ‘excellent litigatorRachel Crean. Willis has ‘great knowledge‘ of advising GP surgeries and doctors on development and funding, while Crean primarily focuses on NHS GP partnership disputes and commercial disputes concerning commissioners. Associate Adam Siwak assists a number of GP federations and primary care providers with the establishment of primary care networks.

Practice head(s):

Ben Willis; Rachel Crean


Other key lawyers:

Oliver Pool; Adam Siwak


Testimonials

‘A strong reputation in this area, very knowledgeable in disputes and non-contentious issues. Excellent team with real expertise.’

‘Oliver Pool is a really superb individual. Top of the tree.’

‘Rachel Crean is a class act and an excellent litigator.’

‘Ben Willis is very good with clients, and has great knowledge.’

‘Rachel Crean and Ben Willis have strong experience in the sector and have invaluable insight.’

‘Rachel Crean is a really good, solid regulatory litigator, she knows her way round healthcare trouble spots.’

Weightmans LLP

The ‘excellent‘ team at Weightmans LLP represents a diverse client base of mental health trusts, hospital trusts, and healthcare professionals in inquiries, procurement-related matters, and data breach claims. Andrew Parsons has a great deal of experience in CQC regulation, often acting in Court of Protection cases concerning mental health law. With her vast expertise in clinical negligence, Rachel Kneale acts for a number of NHS trusts, while Julia Appleton handles a broad range of matters, ranging from consent, urgent admission, and treatment issues, to judicial reviews concerning healthcare bodies.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Parsons; Rachel Kneale


Other key lawyers:

Sejal Raja; Julia Appleton


Testimonials

‘Excellent defendant healthcare practice.’

‘They have a range of expert legal practitioners in most fields of practice. They offer a variety of services to the organisation.’

‘The team is very dedicated, they dedicate their competence and expertise without fail, they possess vast knowledge of the legal matters they represent.’

Key clients

NHS Resolution


Central and Northwest London NHS Foundation Trust


Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


NHS England


NHS Blood & Transplant


IDH Dental


Dentex


Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS FT


Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust


Work highlights


  • Acted for an NHS Trust who had care of a female patient with a history of mental health and substance misuse problems in an inquest.
  • Advising NHS Eesolution on a claim that arose from events at the time of the claimant’s birth.