A couple of months ago the NHS Litigation Authority launched a new Mediation Service. Helen Vernon, the Chief Executive of NHSLA, announced that: “Mediation is an excellent forum for dispute resolution and provides injured patients and their families with an opportunity for face-to-face explanations and apologies when things go wrong and reducing the need for unnecessary litigation”.

Davis Blank Furniss wholeheartedly supports the principle of Mediation. The NHS has a duty of candour and within a mediation environment they can be open and honest.  However, it is essential that patients are on the same footing as the individual trust.  Unless the patient simply wishes to receive an apology they must never attend Mediation without being represented.

At Davis Blank Furniss, we receive a large number of enquiries from clients who have been poorly treated by organisations within the NHS umbrella. Contrary to popular belief they do not always seek compensation. Some clients simply wish to have an acknowledgement from the medical staff concerned that something has gone wrong or that a mistake has been made. Many are happy to receive an apology or more importantly to be provided with an assurance that matters will change.

Sadly, the majority of our clients would not be satisfied with an apology or assurances. Many have been left badly injured by medical mistakes. Some are not able to work and some have considerable care needs. The only way to address these issues is to obtain a sum of money to assist the injured person and to help in their quest to lead as normal a life as possible. Only a financial settlement is appropriate in these circumstances.

If a patient were to attend Mediation on their own, without the benefit of legal assistance, they would not understand the basis of their claim and would not be on par with an experienced NHSLA negotiator. This inequality could lead to an unfair outcome.  If a patient accepts a settlement at the end of a mediation then they have to enter into a binding agreement. Once the agreement is signed they then lose their right to litigate.

It is therefore imperative to speak to a suitably qualified clinical negligence solicitor before attending any such Mediation.

For more information about Kate and her work, please click HERE.

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Excellent experience start to finish – always very responsive to any queries and the turnaround on the property I was buying was very quick, even in the busy time leading up to stamp duty deadline. Jenny was always very helpful and went above and beyond to close on a short timescale.

Ben Armitage

“Very approachable, practical solutions to problems, but most of all very responsive which I personally think is very important because if you need help, you need it quickly, or at least to know someone is looking at it for you”.

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Nives Feely, JAM Recruitment

“I believe I have been able to establish a professional working relationship with everyone I have come into contact. Importantly, I sense the relationships which have been established give me the confidence that I can make contact with Davis Blank Furniss at any time and on any matter. I would also like to express my thanks to the very impressive “gatekeepers” who work in reception, not only for making me very welcome, but also for their professionalism”

Bill Pryke, CEO, Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors

“Thank you for your efficient and friendly help throughout this process. We have had it easy but your approach has been part of that”.

Robert Amsbury (Conveyancing Client)

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you personally for the ongoing support and assistance the firm has offered to our parents over the years. I hope also that we may be able to call on you if necessary in the future.”

Valerie Fisher (Probate Client)

“Jo always provides great service, understands our needs and delivers on her promises. Our needs are relatively simple but the complexity arises out of the volume of work and short time frames, Jo always delivers.”

Peter Fernandez, Corporate Director at Royal Bank of Scotland

“A big thank you to all who dealt with my wife’s claim… We would not hesitate to recommend Davis Blank Furniss to anyone that may be in a situation like we have been…”

Anon (Personal Injury client)

“Before putting my case in Kirsty (Morbey)’s capable hands I’ve met a couple of other solicitors. None of them listen to me as intently as Kirsty and showed me as much empathy and understanding as she did. Simultaneously she was able to look at my case from legal perspective, explain all the options and follow each of our meetings with written summary of the discussed matters (in timely manner). Her advice was invaluable and led me to successfully ending the case matter (hopeful for good). I’m forever grateful for he work and would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for reliable, knowledgeable and committed solicitor”.

Anon (Family client)
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