Expert witness guidance published for Healthcare Professionals

The guidance, which follows a recommendation in Sir Norman Williams’ Review of Gross Negligence Manslaughter in Healthcare, has been endorsed by nine healthcare professional bodies on behalf of over 70 healthcare separate professional organisations representing doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, allied health professionals, optometrists and healthcare scientists

The General Medical Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council, Health and Care Professions Council, General Pharmaceutical Council, General Dental Council and General Chiropractic Council have all confirmed that the advice set out in this guidance is consistent with their standards and guidance as regulatory bodies.

The guidance covers the value of acting as an expert witness, the settings where professionals may act as a witness, providing an expert opinion, duties and responsibilities to the courts and they personal responsibilities.

The guidance also highlights that Healthcare professionals who act as expert witnesses should undertake specific training and continuing professional development (CPD) for being an expert witness.

You can access the guidance on their website at: https://www.aomrc.org.uk/news-and-views/acting-as-a-professional-or-expert-witness-guidance-published/