The team at Hill Dickinson LLP has a ‘national presence' and 'they are instructed by a significant number of NHS Trusts and are frequently involved in high-profile litigation.’ Under the collective leadership of Kiran Bhogal, Sharon Thomas, and Paul Allerston, it regularly advises on all matters concerning the Mental Capacity Act 2005. It is trusted for its expertise in handling complex and challenging medical treatment cases. These cases often relate to issues such as the provision or withdrawal of treatment, delayed discharges, NHS Continuing Healthcare challenges, or DoLS challenges. Bhogal also has expertise in advising on judicial review challenges to funding and commissioning decisions. In Liverpool, Joanna Crichton is another key member of the healthcare and public law team. Ben Troke is now at Weightmans LLP.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The whole team is amazing. Very rare to get the balance between very good lawyers and very nice people! Louise Wilson, Joanna Crichton, Rachel Kelly Rachael Watkinson are recommended.'
‘Kiran Bhogal and Emma Pollard stand out; Kiran for the depth of her experience and Emma for her meticulous preparation coupled with a friendly and sensible approach - a real pleasure to deal with.’
‘Hill Dickinson have a great Court of Protection healthcare practice. Emma Galland has a growing Court of Protection practice.’
‘Joanna Crichton provides an excellent Court of Protection service. Her approach is kind and supportive. Joanna provides advice in relation to tricky and challenging situations that arise in the NHS and is always happy to support discussion of options prior to action.’
‘I work closely with Joanna Crichton and liaise with her first and foremost. She is extremely helpful and appreciates the need to be responsive when we have something urgent to deal with. More recently we have had an ongoing issue which she has been incredibly supportive with.’
‘They are leaders in their field in COP work. They have a very strong team and one of their strengths is how well the team work together.'
‘Emma Pollard and Kiran Bhogal are absolutely excellent. They are both extremely knowledgeable about their areas of specialty, they are approachable, lovely to deal with, and always provide excellent and user-friendly advice.’
‘Paul Allerston is excellent, hard working and extremely client focused.’
Key clients
- Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
- King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
- Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
- NHS England
- Practice Plus Group
- Spire
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Oxford Health NHS Trust
- Surrey Heartlands ICB
- North Central London ICB
- North East London ICB
- Barts Health NHS Trust
- East of England Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust
Work highlights
- Represented Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust in a leading case on how the Court of Protection should consider ineligibility under Schedule 1A of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, when a patient may be within the scope of the Mental Health Act 1983.
- Represented Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust in an application to withdraw life-sustaining treatment, and was of particular significance due to its consideration of the weight of religious values and beliefs, in a particularly complex and sensitive area of law.
- Representing King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in an ongoing matter where Mr Haastrup is appealing to lift the reporting restrictions order to name medical staff.
Lawyers
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Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Kiran Bhogal, Sharon Thomas, Paul Allerston