Treatment of an itchy rash leads to a claim against GP Dr U, but was he negligent?

The case of Dr Bawa-Garba and the resulting collision between the medical community and the criminal justice system, sent shockwaves around the world. Dr Richard Stacey, head of policy and technical at Medical Protection, analyses criminal cases handled by MPS in 2017 to gauge the likelihood of further charges of gross negligence manslaughter.

An inquest is a fact-finding exercise that is conducted by the Coroner and, in some cases, in front of a jury. The purpose of an inquest is to find out who the person was and, how, when and where they died. This factsheet gives further information about what happens at an inquest.

An inquest is a fact-finding exercise that is conducted by the coroner and, in some cases, in front of a jury. The purpose of an inquest is to find out who died – when, where, how and in what circumstances. This factsheet gives further information about what happens at an inquest.

If a death occurs in a violent or unnatural manner, in custody, or suddenly but without certain cause, a coroner has a duty to enquire into the death. This factsheet sets out the role of a coroner, the reporting process and what will happen once you have reported a death to the coroner.

As a doctor, you may be asked to give evidence in many different types of tribunals, including criminal or civil courts, the coroner’s court and employment or mental health tribunals. This factsheet gives further information about what to expect and how to prepare.

Mrs X gave birth to J, a healthy baby boy. J was discharged, with a note in the records stating he was a “normal healthy infant”; a further note stated that, on examination, there was a bilateral red reflex.

As a doctor, you may be asked to give evidence in many different types of tribunals, including criminal or civil courts, the coroner’s court and employment or mental health tribunals. This factsheet gives further information about what to expect and how to prepare.

If a patient dies and the death is reportable to the coroner, you should leave all equipment in place until you have discussed the case with the coroner’s officer. This factsheet gives you further information about what to do.

As an expert you should be aiming to produce a report which is free standing – from which the reader can glean the key issues in the case, understand the evidence available and reach a clear understanding of the range of expert opinion, without needing to look at any other document.

Ms C, a 42-year-old risk manager, fell from her horse whilst out riding. At the time of the fall she felt her left knee twist, as her left foot had been caught in the stirrup.

As an expert you should be aiming to produce a report which is free standing – from which the reader can glean the key issues in the case, understand the evidence available and reach a clear understanding of the range of expert opinion, without needing to look at any other document.

As a doctor, you may be asked to give evidence in many different types of forums including criminal or civil courts, Fatal Accident Inquiries and employment or mental health tribunals. This factsheet gives further information about what to expect and how to prepare.

A 48-year-old driver, Mr W, was sent to hospital by his GP with a one-week history of unremitting back pain and associated mild shortness of breath. On direct questioning, he also reported non-specific malaise for at least three months with half a stone weight loss but no symptoms of fever. There was no previous history of cardiac problems and no recent dental or other invasive procedures.

Mrs C, a 25-year-old mother of two, had an elective caesarean with her first pregnancy as that baby was breech, and she experienced a failed attempt at a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) with her second pregnancy. Her third pregnancy was uneventful and she was booked in for an elective caesarean section at 39 weeks.

Twenty-eight-year-old Miss T was a pillion passenger on her boyfriend’s motorbike going at high speed on a motorway. He lost control of the vehicle and tried to regain it by braking, which threw them both over the handles, landing some distance away. Unfortunately, Miss T’s boyfriend was certified dead at the scene of the accident.

Mr S was a 45-year-old man who was well-known to his GP. He was an anxious, frequent attendee, who needed to discuss different symptoms and worried about his general health. He had suffered from psychiatric disorders in the past and was a heavy smoker who found it difficult to give up.

Miss C, a 25-year-old bank clerk, attended an appointment with the practice nurse, Nurse B, at her local surgery. Miss C was in a stable relationship and wished to discuss the options available to her for contraception. Miss C’s medical notes revealed that she had tried the combined oral contraceptive in the past, but had experienced side effects and was not good at remembering to take it daily. Recently she had been using barrier contraception alone.