Expert Witness

I have been a medical expert witness in Obstetrics and Gynaecology for over three decades, using my consultant experience in the NHS and subsequent training in medical law and expert witness practice.

I obtained a Certificate in Medical Law from Glasgow University in 1996 and Certified Expert Witness accreditation from Cardiff University (CUEW) in 2004. I am therefore able to combine clinical knowledge with a clear understanding of legal process, duties to the court, and the ethical complexities of clinical negligence work. I am registered and revalidated with the GMC until 2029, demonstrating that my expert opinion reflects contemporary care rather than being based in past practice.

What It Involves

My medico-legal practice serves clients across the UK and Ireland and typically involves:  

  • Reviewing complex maternity and gynaecology case histories, including birth injury, delayed diagnosis, consent and operative complications and providing detailed written reports

  • Undertaking conferences with counsel and joint meetings with other experts.

  • Giving evidence in court, explaining obstetric and gynaecological standards of care to judges and juries in accessible, non-technical language.

I am familiar with the changes in obstetric practice and the revisions and updates in NICE guidance and Royal College recommendations from the 1990s to the present. I can comment authoritatively on whether care was reasonable at the time it was delivered rather than only by today’s benchmarks.

Scope & Typical Cases

Typical Obstetric cases include

  • Shoulder dystocia, postpartum haemorrhage, intrapartum care, fetal monitoring, stillbirth and neonatal brain injury, emergency caesarean section and operative delivery.

Typical Gynaecological cases are

  • Complications of major and laparoscopic surgery, Gynaecological cancers and pelvic floor surgery.

My reports often address system and communication issues - failures to escalate, inadequate documentation, poor safety culture and the impact of workforce pressures on care.

Colleagues and instructing solicitors say that my reports are clear, structured and balanced, and that I distinguish carefully between avoidable harm and adverse outcomes that occurred despite reasonable care, which is valued by courts seeking unbiased assistance.

In practice writing a good report requires:

  • Careful analysis of the chronology of events (often delegated by some Experts to AI).

  • Describing the accepted standards of care and relevant guidelines at the time of the incident.

  • Providing a measured opinions on breach of duty and causation, while being explicit about uncertainties and limitations.

I cannot offer my Expert witness service directly to potential claimants. Hence I cannot advise you on the merits of a claim as that is a legal decision. I am instructed by solicitors and other legal professionals.