General Medical Council – Successful reversal of decision to refer to a Fitness to Practice Hearing

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Published: Monday, 20 May 2019 14:42

Written by Bill Wilson

Bill Wilson represented two Radiologists (Husband and Wife) who had both been referred to a Fitness to Practice Hearing (FtPH), after having been earlier represented by other lawyers who submitted Rule 7 responses. These were both rejected by Case Examiners and the matter was referred to a full Fitness to Practice Hearing scheduled to last for many weeks After careful consideration of the voluminous of papers, it became clear that the Case Examiners had not correctly interpreted certain data (PACS/RIS) which was pivotal to the allegations. Further detailed submissions were lodged on behalf of both Doctors which resulted in the GMC agreeing to conduct a Review under Rule 28 and consequently persuaded to conclude the matter with no further action.

Bill Wilson commented:

"It is always difficult to come on-board after other lawyers had been previously involved. The substance of the allegations involved very technical and complex data, which had to be considered in a very tight timeframe. Thankfully I was able to demonstrate that the Case Examiners had incorrectly understood the data and as a consequence was able to ‘right a wrong’ to spare both clients from what invariably would have been a very lengthy, costly and stressful hearing."

Our clients commented:

"We cannot thank Bill enough for the hard work he put into our case. He was able to grasp the complex facts which surround imaging very quickly and succinctly rectified the misunderstanding by Case Examiners. What a result! Without doubt this relieved a huge degree of pressure from both of us."

General Medical Council – Successful Restoration to Medical Register

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Published: Wednesday, 27 March 2019 14:34

Written by Bill Wilson

Bill Wilson represented a Doctor before the GMC who had been erased from the Medical Register in March 2012, as a result of his fitness to practice having been impaired by reason of both misconduct and conviction. Dishonesty with denial was found to have occurred over a lengthy period between 2005 - 2010. Following significant and detailed representations the Tribunal determined that the applicant had now demonstrated full ‘Insight’ for his misconduct, was genuinely remorseful for his actions and had taken the necessary steps to remediate as far as possible. As a result, the Tribunal restored the Doctor to the Medical Register at first attempt, which is extremely unusual. Bill instructed Miss Mary O’Rourke QC, Old Square Chambers.

Bill commented: "As with all restoration cases, this was not a straightforward application but made much more difficult because of the time span over which the initial allegations to erase were founded. Learned Counsel, Miss Mary O’Rourke QC was, as always, extremely essential to have on one’s team."

Our client commented:

"Bill represented me on my GMC restoration case. Clearly, he has great experience in the healthcare sector and his expertise helped shape my case along the way. He’s been so kind, approachable, trustworthy, supportive of my vision and he was always there when I needed him. Nothing was too much trouble. I am very, very grateful to him. His communications were always timely, helpful and wise and his friendly comforting approach made everything seem a little bit easier, at one of the most stressful times in my life. I cannot thank him enough for his invaluable support. His professionalism and commitment to provide high quality service to his clients were well above my expectation and I would certainly recommend him to any members of my profession who may need his expertise."

Bankside Law and Jonathan Goldring represent British Chiropractic Association member

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Published: Wednesday, 28 November 2018 15:14

Written by John Williams

John Williams and barrister Jonathan Goldring represented a chiropractor privately at the Professional Conduct Committee of the General Chiropractic Council. Our client had been convicted of a serious motoring offence and was referred to the PCC. Unlike some other Association's insurance policies the BCA's insurance did not cover her representation for a criminal offence case in disciplinary proceedings. At the Investigating Committee she paid solicitors recommended by the BCA privately for the work on her case. The Investigating Committee decided there was a case to answer and referred the case to the PCC. Our client then approached us for a quote for her fees for the full hearing at the PCC. This was very competitive in comparison to the quote from the other solicitors. She instructed us and received the lowest form of sanction available (admonishment). This is what she said about the service she received:-

“Words cannot express how truly grateful I am for all the hard work, dedication, support and patience that Bankside Law, John Williams and my barrister Jonathan Goldring gave me throughout one of the toughest and most stressful years of my career. Their professionalism, advice and expertise was endless which made the whole process somewhat more bearable. Should anyone be faced with the disciplinary proceedings/hearing, I could not recommend any one else higher than John and Jonathan to guide and represent you throughout this very tough time. Thank you both so much”

Food labelling; Bankside Law successfully deals with it’s first case for a Nutritional Therapist at the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council

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Published: Thursday, 11 October 2018 12:55

Written by John Williams

John Williams represented a Nutritional Therapist for the first time recently. The case involved a recommendation from a Nutritional Therapist to a client of a product which might have contained gluten to which the client expressed an intolerance. Later, the client complained to the CNHC. We instructed counsel, Jonathan Goldring, an expert, Mabel Blades, and following service of her report, a detailed statement from our client, some very complementary and helpful references and testimonials and research we had carried out on the extent to which the product was described as “Gluten Free” on numerous respected web sites the CNHC notified us a day before the hearing that they were going to offer no evidence.

John Williams commented;

"I was delighted at this successful outcome for our client. The case highlighted the difficulties and confusion which exists in relation to correct food labelling. Both me and my client strongly support moves to make producers and advertisers of food and supplement products describe what they sell more accurately so the public and the professionals who advise them are properly protected."

Our client commented;
"Bankside Law went above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcome was achieved in this case. They were incredibly thorough in their approach and offered a level of service over and above what I expected. Their experience and professionalism was clear from the outset, without which I don't believe the case would've received such positive results."