Health & care professionals

Doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, and other health and care professionals face a unique combination of regulatory and potential criminal liability. An allegation of clinical negligence, patient abuse, or dishonesty can trigger simultaneous proceedings before the regulator and in the criminal courts.

Regulators covered

I advise health and care professionals facing investigations by:

  • The General Medical Council (GMC)
  • The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
  • The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  • The Care Quality Commission (CQC)
  • NHS England and NHS trusts

Criminal proceedings

Allegations of patient abuse, fraud against the NHS, and gross negligence manslaughter can result in criminal charges alongside regulatory proceedings. I will advise on both sets of proceedings and, where appropriate, instruct specialist barristers in health care law to assist with the regulatory aspects of your case.

Confidentiality

All instructions are handled with complete confidentiality. I am aware of the particular sensitivity of allegations involving patients and will ensure that your case is handled with the discretion it requires.

Frequently asked questions

Do not respond to a GMC investigation without legal advice. Initial responses can shape the direction of the investigation and early statements can be used against you in both regulatory and criminal proceedings.
Unless an interim suspension or conditions of practice order is imposed, you may continue to practise during an investigation. However, your employer or NHS trust may take separate action to restrict your practice pending the outcome.
A warning is a formal finding that your conduct fell below the standard expected but does not restrict your ability to practise. Conditions of practice impose specific requirements on how you work. Both are published on the public register.