Your challenges
Most of your GPs, dentists, pharmacists and optometrists provide an excellent service and work with you in ensuring that services of the highest standard are delivered to your local population. However, occasionally there is a cause for concern and you need to take swift but proportionate regulatory action. The regulations may set out your powers but putting these into action can be challenging and time consuming. However, no PCT wants to have another Shipman!
Achieving your ambitions
You will need to have a proper policy in place and the necessary key individuals/groups to manage the process. We have a sample policy that we make available to our clients which can easily be tailored to your specific process. We are there for those urgent suspension hearings or simply talking through your options at an early stage. Hearings, whether they be local or at the tribunal stage can be daunting and depends on your getting the evidence right, whether you are conducting your own investigations or relying on findings from other bodies. We can help you to work through the various stages and will provide representation at hearings.
The strength you need
We have a team of two partners, six solicitors and one paralegal with considerable experience in this area who regularly advise PCTs and deal with cases before the First-tier Tribunal (Health, Education and Social Care Chamber). The size of our team allows us to deal with urgent cases promptly but also demonstrates our strength and depth in this area. We are also aware of the interface between the PCT’s regulatory and contractual powers and never advise in isolation.
Lawyers you can trust
Our clients value our support in dealing with a relatively new and challenging area. Having guided a PCT through a difficult hearing, helping them to get back on track and secure the desired outcome their response was an email which said: “A thousand thank yous, once again”.
Legal 500 2009 said: "Jill Mason's team is the top choice for health: whatever you need, they will be able to help."
Legal 500 2010 said: "the response times are remarkable and the acumen and knowledge excellent."