50 LAWYER MONTHLY EXPERT WITNESS AWARDS 2025 CTG Interpretation: The nuances involved. While vital, CTG interpretation can be subjective, leading to disputes about whether abnormalities were recognised and acted upon appropriately and promptly. How do you approach translating complex clinical details into language that’s accessible to judges, juries, or solicitors without medical training? My approach prioritises clarity, precision, and relevance to the legal questions. I excel in delivering clear, concise, CPR-35 compliant reports. Key strategies include: • Avoiding Jargon: Translating complex medical terminology into plain English or clearly defining essential terms. • Logical Structure: Organising reports logically, often chronologically, to clearly explain the sequence of events, findings, decisions, and reasoning. • Focusing on Relevance: Directly addressing the specific questions posed, ensuring information is pertinent to the legal issues. • Evidence-Based Reasoning: Explicitly linking opinions to factual evidence in the records and referencing national guidelines (e.g., RCOG, NICE) and relevant scientific literature. My aim is always to educate the court effectively, presenting medical facts and opinions accessibly, impartially, and authoritatively to enable informed decisions. What role does continuous clinical practice play in your credibility and effectiveness as an expert witness? Continuous clinical practice is fundamental. I have been continuously employed in the NHS since 2001, and took up the consultant role in obstetrics and gynaecology at Dorset County Hospital since 2011, which is a role I still hold. This ensures: • Up-to-Date Knowledge: Staying current with the latest advancements, standards of care, guidelines, and protocols. • Real-World Experience: Regularly managing the clinical situations common in litigation provides practical insight beyond academic knowledge. • Understanding Clinical Context: Appreciating the real world pressures and environment within the NHS. • Demonstrated Competence: Roles like Minimal Access Surgery Lead, teaching for the RCOG, and being a Royal College Examiner further validate ongoing high-level engagement. This active grounding ensures my opinions are relevant, reflect contemporary practice, and carry the authority of current clinical experience. Have recent developments in women’s health or maternity care had an impact on the nature of the cases you’re involved in? Yes, significantly. Recent developments shape the medico-legal landscape: • Focus on Safety & Learning: High-profile inquiries, notably the Ockenden report, have increased scrutiny on safety culture, governance, multidisciplinary teamwork, listening to families, “My extensive clinical experience in obstetrics and gynaecology, combined with formal medicolegal training, allows me to deliver clear, evidence-based opinions that bridge the gap between complex medical issues and the legal process.”
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