Welcome to Legal Jukebox Friday Legal Jukebox Friday is your weekly dose of lively discussions where we randomly select a legal case to explore and why it may assist those practising in regulatory law, including solicitors, adjudicators, and healthcare professionals. While some of these cases may be considered classics, they remain relevant and are worth …
So, you’ve received that dreaded letter from your regulator—the NMC, GDC, SWE, or GPhC—informing you that you’re under investigation. Maybe a patient has complained, a colleague has raised concerns, or a minor paperwork error has snowballed into a full-blown crisis. Either way, you’re now in the world of fitness to practise (FtP) investigations, where regulators …
Why an Aggressive Legal Strategy Can Backfire We’ve all seen it—the lawyer who storms into a hearing, voice booming, determined to bulldoze their way to victory. Many believe that the most aggressive advocate is the most effective. But what if I told you that sometimes, the most forceful approach actually leads to the worst outcome? …
The UK government is embarking on a transformative journey to reshape leadership and accountability within the National Health Service (NHS) as part of its ambitious 10 Year Health Plan. This initiative aims not only to address long-standing systemic issues but also to restore public confidence in the NHS, ensuring it meets the high expectations of …
Navigating Police Cautions: Challenges for Regulated Professionals During the Festive Season As the festive season approaches, the excitement of Christmas parties begins to unfold. However, amidst the celebrations, unexpected situations can arise, leading individuals to face arrest and the option of accepting a police caution or conditional caution. This article explores the unique challenges posed by these circumstances, …
Fitness to practise investigations are, by their nature, highly stressful. They place practitioners, patients, and witnesses under significant pressure, often in emotionally charged situations. While regulators have a duty to protect the public and maintain professional standards, compassion must sit alongside this obligation. Compassion goes beyond empathy; it requires an active commitment to understanding individuals …
An orthodontist promoting the controversial “mewing” technique has been struck off the dental register due to serious allegations of malpractice. Mike Mew, who claims that dental issues can be corrected through specific muscle exercises, came under scrutiny after a six-year-old patient suffered seizure-like episodes from his treatment. The General Dental Council (GDC) highlighted that Mew’s …
PSA v GDC & Naveed Patel: A Landmark Ruling Reshaping Fitness-to-Practise Cases The recent ruling in PSA v GDC & Naveed Patel marks a significant shift in how fitness-to-practise cases involving criminal convictions are assessed. This landmark decision brings much-needed flexibility and fairness to the regulatory landscape, offering a long-awaited update for regulatory committees and …
The 2017 Supreme Court ruling in Michalak v General Medical Council [2017] UKSC 71 stands as a pivotal moment in the realm of professional regulation in the UK. This landmark decision has significantly impacted how professionals can challenge their regulators, particularly in fitness to practise matters. By opening a new avenue through Employment Tribunals, the …
A distressing account detailed in The Times sheds light on the tragic murder of ten-month-old Finley Boden at the hands of his drug-abusing parents and the systemic failures within care agencies. The report uncovers a harrowing reality: Finley suffered a savage attack, enduring 130 injuries inflicted by his parents, Stephen Boden and Shannon Marsden. In …