England - North • Public sector

Ward Hadaway LLP

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Nicola Richardson, who heads the health and regulatory department at Ward Hadaway LLP, regularly acts for NHS trusts involved in potential corporate manslaughter claims, including those which have progressed to inquests and clinical negligence claims. Melanie Pears leads the public sector team, where she frequently advises NHS foundation trusts on the procurement and contracting of facility developments and redevelopments, as well as assisting with contract variations to PFI project agreements. Regulation specialist Rachel Birks is a go-to advisor for both claimants and defendants in professional discipline cases, while associate Victoria Parker advises healthcare providers on disputes concerning mental health act-related issues. Georgina Rowley is a key contact for matters concerning applications to the court of protection. Saji Bratch is a name to note for public sector property transactions, including acquisitions, disposals and management of sites as well as development work. The employment healthcare team is co-led by Caroline Shafar and Stuart Craig, who represent clients in employee tribunal claims and company re-organisations. Lisa Evans – praised for her ‘excellent instincts in the healthcare sector’ – is also noted.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The firm has an ability to understand service and technical issues around contracts. Being able to advise and win arguments on silent parts of contract where there is ambiguity.'

  • 'They have saved the Trust a fortune on both PFI and non PFI contracts, and are excellent value for money.'
  • ‘Melanie Pears is the legal support I have experienced.’

  • 'When instructed by them for clinical negligence I always found them to be efficient, good at involving themselves in the detail of the case, and managing procedural issues.’
  • ‘Excellent team, full of quality. Always exemplary preparation for cases.’

  • ‘A special mention for Lisa Evans, who is the consummate professional with excellent instincts in the healthcare sector.'

  • 'Victoria Parker is extremely thorough and knowledgeable.’

Key clients

  • Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust
  • British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy
  • Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
  • Care Quality Commission
  • Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
  • County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
  • Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust
  • Cumbria, Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
  • Gateshead Health NHS Foundation trust
  • General Optical Council
  • General Osteopathic Council
  • General Pharmaceutical Council
  • Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • Hull University NHS Teaching Hospitals Trust
  • Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
  • Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service
  • North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
  • North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
  • North East and North Cumbria ICB
  • Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
  • Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
  • Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
  • South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
  • South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
  • St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
  • Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
  • The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
  • University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

Work highlights

  • Advised Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on the procurement and contracting for significant development on the site of the Luton and Dunstable Hospital.
  • Advised on the termination of the PFI agreement following the judgement in Tees Esk and Wear Valley v Three Valleys Healthcare and Another [2018] EWHC 1659 (TCC).
  • Supported a number of NHS Trusts in relation to contract variations which need to be implemented as a result of the cessation of GBP London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR").

Lawyers

Leading individuals

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Nicola Richardson, Melanie Pears

Other key lawyers

Stuart Craig, Caroline Shafar, Saji Bratch, Georgina Rowley, Rachel Birks, Victoria Parker, Lisa Evans