Ward Hadaway LLP’s dedicated health team supports NHS and independent healthcare organisations across the UK, offering expertise in corporate, commercial, employment, PFI, and regulatory matters. The team advises on everything from PFI contract expiry and anti-fraud initiatives to NHS foundation trust trading companies. Melanie Pears leads on PFI matters, while Lisa Evans handles complex clinical negligence claims and inquests. Caroline Shafar advises NHS clients on employment matters, and Saji Bratch leads on public sector property work. Damien Charlton heads the independent healthcare team, acting for a range of private providers, while James Donnelly specialises in inquests and criminal investigations involving healthcare organisations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Friendly and knowledgeable.’
‘James Donnelly is superb.’
‘Extremely experienced in health disputes, with a particular specialty in PFI and PPP contracts.’
‘Melanie Pears is the doyenne of PFI contracts. She knows it all.'
‘I have worked with several of Saji Bratch's colleagues, and they are all professional, dedicated, and ensure our scope and needs are met efficiently.’
‘Saji Bratch is extremely knowledgeable and dedicated to safeguarding our interests.’
Key clients
- Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust
- British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
- Care Quality Commission
- Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
- County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
- Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust
- Cumbria, Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
- Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
- Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
James Donnelly
Practice head
Melanie Pears; Lisa Evans; Caroline Shafar; Saji Bratch
Other key lawyers
Damien Charlton; James Donnelly; Georgina Rowley; Tim Care; Peter Hornsey