Hempsons is the UK's leading law firm dedicated to the health and social care sector. In the NHS alone, Hempsons’ clients include over 180 organisations, trusts and foundation trusts, commissioning bodies and NHS England’s Area Teams. We also act for private healthcare providers and hundreds of individual GPs, dentists and other healthcare-related professionals and practitioners at any one time. The firm’s ‘top 10′ charities practice has in excess of 160 clients, comprising charity and not-for-profit organisations of all sizes and our charity solicitors have extensive experience in this area. Our new podcast series begins life in the COVID-19 era, and will initially focus on the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the health and social care system, but will move on to more "business as usual" topics.
Primary care experts, Justin Cumberlege and Robert McCartney, discuss the intricacies of merging GP practices. They begin by clarifying what a merger typically involves - two or more practices coming together to operate as a single entity.The conversation explores the strategic motivations for merging, such as financial sustainability, improved service delivery, and increased influence within Primary Care Networks (PCNs). They highlight the benefits of scaling up, including shared responsibilities, enhanced workforce capabilities, and greater resilience in a rapidly evolving NHS landscape.The episode also examines different structural models, including incorporation as limited companies, and how regulatory changes have made such models more viable. The importance of thorough preparation is emphasised - particularly in establishing a shared vision, conducting due diligence, and understanding each practice's assets, liabilities, and staffing structures.Key legal and operational considerations are discussed, including staff restructuring, premises management, regulatory compliance (such as CQC registration), and the novation of GMS contracts. The hosts stress the value of early legal input, confidentiality agreements, and well-drafted heads of terms to guide the merger process effectively.
In this episode, Helen Redfern, a senior solicitor in the procurement team at Hempsons, outlines the key obligations and requirements for English contracting authorities regarding regulated below threshold contracts under the Procurement Act 2023. Helen addresses common queries, including the definition of below threshold contracts, direct awards without competition, running formal competitions, and the prompt payment provisions. She provides practical guidance on the various notices required and the flexibility contracting authorities have in awarding and managing these contracts.Episode summary00:00 Introduction to the Procurement Act 202301:03 Understanding regulated below threshold contracts01:40 Key considerations for English Contracting Authorities02:34 Options for awarding below threshold contracts03:50 Direct award without competition05:27 Running a competition for below threshold contracts08:59 Managing regulated below threshold contracts10:06 ConclusionTo find out more and to contact our procurement team, visit our website.
With The Procurement Act 2023 coming into force on Monday 24 February 2025, we have received a number of queries about how this will impact the Provider Selection Regime. Hempsons' head of procurement, Andrew Daly, explains what people can expect when the Act comes into force. Visit our PSR hub: https://www.hempsons.co.uk/services/the-provider-selection-regime/
Hempsons' head of procurement, Andrew Daly, gives an update on the introduction of the Procurement Act 2023 and what it will mean for businesses in practice. Register for our free Procurement Act webinar on Thursday 13 February.Find out more about our specialist procurement team
Healthcare litigation expert Patricia Roe and primary care expert Justin Cumberlege explain the NHS Resolution indemnity scheme for GPs. Find out more about our primary care law services and contact the team: https://hpsns.co/practitionerspodcasts
Healthcare law specialists Stephen Maratos and Stephen Evans host this episode discussing patient capacity, acting in their best interests, and the importance of thorough disclosure in the coronial and civil court process.
Primary healthcare law experts Justin Cumberlege and Robert McCartney host our first podcast of the year, discussing what the new Provider Selection Regime means for primary healthcare providers. In this episode, they discuss what the Provider Selection Regime is, and look at three different scenarios where it would apply. For more information about our primary healthcare legal services and how we can help your business, visit our website.
What are the rules around social media for doctors and other primary care health professionals? Join Robert McCartney and Rachel Levine for the latest episode of our primary care podcast, where they navigate the complex and ever-evolving issue of social media uses and abuses in employment law. In this episode they discuss:00:16 - Introduction01:00 - The evolving nature of social media02:06 - Which social media platforms cause the biggest issues?03:44 - Social media and the law04:54 - Tribunal scenarios and outcomes06:54 - Cyber bullying and the law08:02 - Personal opinion or work issue?11:13 - Different standards for different professions13:12 - Data protection and company monitoring15:35 - Processes for practice managers19:10 - Freedom of expression
Following his recent webinar, healthcare litigation associate, Nigel Wood, gives an introduction to clinical negligence claims that dentists face and discusses how they can handle these complaints.
Robert McCartney and Kirsty Odell, associates in Hempsons' primary care team, host this episode, focusing on common traps in primary care contracts. In this episode, they discuss:00:18 - Introduction: the purpose of contracts01:45 - The pros and cons of NHS contracts03:00 - Trap one: entering into a contract inadvertently 05:13 - Trap two: the role of customer practice07:36 - Trap three: conflicts10:12 - Trap four: gaps in subcontracting13:00 - Trap five: unfair provisions in commercial contracts16:39 - Trap six: unclear termination provisions19:19 - Trap seven: insufficient payment provisions
Primary care partner Justin Cumberlege talks to Sam Wright, a senior solicitor in our healthcare advisory team specialising in inquests, about the role of primary care practitioners in the latest episode of our podcast for GPs.00:16 - Introduction01:36 - What is an inquest?02:49 - What should/shouldn't you say in an inquest?05:00 - Can inquest evidence be cited in a subsequent clinical negligence case?05:54 - Quality of evidence07:47 - Do GPs need to attend inquests in person?11:36 - Who can support GPs throughout the inquest process?12:53 - Potential adverse outcomes of inquests
In the sixth and final episode of our Court of Protection series, Hempsons' healthcare advisory associates Rachael Hawkin and Liz Stokes give an overview of the Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS).00:16 - Introduction01:23 - April 5 2023 announcement02:25 - Recap: what are the Liberty Protection Safeguards?04:53 - LPS objectives06:01 - What is the definition of deprivation of liberty?07:41 - How will the deprivation of liberty be authorised?09:07 - Who can be a 'responsible body'?10:44 - The impact of LPS on care planning11:42 - The LPS process14:39 - What is the expected timeline for LPS implementation?16:28 - What now?
In the penultimate episode of our Court of Protection series, Hempsons' healthcare advisory associates Rachael Hawkin and Liz Stokes discuss Section 21A of the Mental Capacity Act.00:16 - Introduction01:23 - What is Section 21A of the Mental Capacity Act 2005?02:26 - Objections to a patient's deprivation of liberty03:55 - Who can bring a challenge on behalf of a patient?06:55 - Who can be party to a Section 21A challenge hearing?07:38 - How are Section 21A challenges progressed in the Court of Protection?09:41 - Best interests and capacity11:10 - The role of the social care provider in a Section 21A challenge
In this episode of our GP podcast, primary care law experts Justin Cumberlege and Robert McCartney discuss the future of PCNs and how GPs can prepare their businesses for 2024 and beyond.00:16 - Introduction01:05 - What have PCNs achieved since 2019?01:55 - PCNs during the pandemic03:11 - Staffing and incorporation05:55 - Forming a company06:25 - Director responsibilities08:02 - The future of PCNs09:50 - Finances10:38 - Commissioner contracts11:29 - The role of PCNs13:27 - Super practices15:15 - Primary Care Trusts17:13 - Key things to consider
The social care sector plays an often understated role in welfare cases, so this series, over a course of 6 episodes, will take you through the basics of Court of Protection for welfare matters and delve into areas where providers are likely to be involved, what they should consider and how they can prepare. This fourth episode gives an overview discussion, looking at evidence provision in Court of Protection from the perspective of a social care provider.
In the third episode in our Court of Protection series for social care providers Rachael Hawkin and Liz Stokes discuss the disclosure rules in the Court of Protection and the ways a social care provider may find themselves in receipt of a request for disclosure in proceedings.
In this second episode in our Court of Protection series for social care providers Rachael Hawkin and Liz Stokes discuss the ways in which a social care provider may find themselves involved in the Court of Protection.
The first episode in our new Court of Protection series, hosted by Hempsons healthcare advisory associates Liz Stokes and Rachael Hawkin, provides a brief introductory overview to the Court of Protection (CoP) for SC providers and what is meant by capacity and best interests for the patient.
Hempsons partner, https://insight.hempsons.co.uk/t/r-i-tjllujg-l-h/ (Justin Cumberlege), and https://insight.hempsons.co.uk/t/r-i-tjllujg-l-k/ (Sally Sidaway) medical client director at specialist accountancy firm https://insight.hempsons.co.uk/t/r-i-tjllujg-l-u/ (Morris Crocker), discuss the pros and cons of incorporating your Primary Care Network (PCN).
Hempsons corporate law partner, https://hpsns.co/rossclark (Ross Clark), discusses the legal considerations when incorporating your GP practice. In this episode, Ross covers what a company is in legal terms; why and how to create a company; what you need to do to satisfy the commissioner; premises considerations; what to consider around tax and pensions; and finally, the pros and cons of incorporating your practice. To find out more about how we can help practitioners and to contact the team, https://hpsns.co/practitionerspodcasts (click here).
Corporate Primary Healthcare Partner Justin Cumberlege is joined by James Gransby of RSM Accountants and Paul Gordon of MacArthur Gordon to discuss the issues that should be considered when a GP wishes to retire from their partnership or practice.
Ross Clark, a partner in the Hempsons GP team discusses the common causes of GP partnership disputes, what to do if you get involved in one, and how to avoid them if possible.
Corporate Primary Healthcare Partner Justin Cumberlege is joined by Solicitor Matthew Gale to discuss GP federations and PCNs.
Clin neg claims – considerations from conception to conclusion Episode 1 - The early stages of clinical negligence claims In this podcast Stephen Maratos, Gill Muir and Steven Wade, healthcare litigation team members from Hempsons' Newcastle office, discuss what the early stages of a claim entail. They review what to do after receiving a Letter of Claim, and what to do in the early stages of a claim before formal litigation. They also chat through and think about risks and costs, as well as highlighting the key things to remember.
Listen to Hempsons Newcastle healthcare litigation partners Stephen Maratos and Gill Muir discussing the recent seminar on evidence they delivered alongside counsel Martin Forde QC and Georgina Nolan.
Associates Liz Stokes and Liz Hackett from our healthcare advisory team discuss particular aspects and common themes for inquests arising from deaths in prisons.
Associates Elspeth Rose and Jennifer Hovington give helpful background and advice while discussing the interaction between inquests and civil proceedings.
Associates Liz Stokes and Elspeth Rose continue the second inquest series, covering specific types of inquest. This episode deals with the distressing topic of child inquests.
Associate Lucy Miles discusses employment issues in primary care including capability issues, performance management and dealing with disabilities under the Equality Act.
Associate Emma Summerfield and senior solicitor Vicky Rowlands discuss issues around the GP indemnity scheme NHS resolutions, GP claims and when to report them.
Partner Alison Oliver and associate Kirsty Odell discuss issues and key requirements surrounding merging your GP practice.
Partner Justin Cumberlege and associate Kirsty Odell discuss the Health and Care Bill and future opportunities for primary care networks.
We are delighted to once again sponsor HPMA's Rising Star award. Find out more about the three finalists in this podcast, with the winner being announced at the awards ceremony on 7 October 2021. Learn more about HPMA: https://www.hpma.org.uk/ Learn more about the HPMA awards: https://www.hpma.org.uk/hpma-awards-2021/
In the first in our second series of inquests podcasts Liz Stokes and Elspeth Rose from our healthcare advisory team discuss particular aspects and common issues and themes in inquests for care homes.
Partner Justin Cumberlege and James Gransby from RSM discuss the legal requirements and considerations of incorporating your GP practice.
Partner Justin Cumberlege and associate Kirsty Odell cover the essential elements of bringing a new partner into your GP practice and the potential downfalls to avoid.
Hempsons GP team lead partner Ross Clark introduces some of the key issues in commissioning in primary care, including the Health and Care Bill, primary care networks and incorporations.
This was originally intended as video content for our website, as it was delivered over MS Teams to a live audience as a webinar. However we weren't happy with the quality of the video on this occasion, bit with a bit of editing we've managed to turn it into a podcast. "Where can I find the slides?", you ask..... Well, Bertie didn't use any for this, so you can pop your headphones on, go for a walk, and listen without worrying about what you're not seeing on the slide deck.
In the sixth and final podcast in our series of inquest podcasts Liz Stokes and Elspeth Rose from Hempsons' healthcare advisory team talk to Jill Baker about Regulation 28 and Prevention of Future Deaths Reports. Please uset this link to view all the PFD reports published by the Chief Coroner: https://www.judiciary.uk/related-offices-and-bodies/office-chief-coroner/https-www-judiciary-uk-subject-community-health-care-and-emergency-services-related-deaths/ (https://www.judiciary.uk/related-offices-and-bodies/office-chief-coroner/https-www-judiciary-uk-subject-community-health-care-and-emergency-services-related-deaths/)
In the fifth in our series of inquest podcasts Liz Stokes and Elspeth Rose from Hempsons' healthcare advisory team talk to Jill Baker about conclusions, including what conclusions are available.
Social Enterprise UK's Andy Daly talks to Skill Mill Managing Director David Parks and Hempsons partner Crispin Pettifer about The Skill Mill's exciting project to extend the programme they deliver to more vulnerable young people to help them break the cycle of re-offending and gain work experience. The Skill Mill is a multi-award-winning social enterprise that helps young people break the cycle of re-offending and gain work experience. This innovative project, jointly commissioned by several local authorities is structured as a four-year outcomes contract, funded by a social impact bond – so the provider is paid for successfully keeping young people out of the criminal justice system and achieving other milestones such as gaining an accredited qualification and further employment.
In the fourth in our series of inquest podcasts Liz Stokes and Elspeth Rose from Hempsons' healthcare advisory team firstly talk to Jill Baker about 2 topics - Article 2 which is followed by a discussion on Jury inquests
In the third in our series of inquest podcasts Liz Stokes and Elspeth Rose from Hempsons' healthcare advisory team talk to Jill Baker about giving evidence and what to expect.
In the second in our series of inquest podcasts Liz Stokes and Elspeth Rose from Hempsons' healthcare advisory team talk to Jill Baker abour witness preparation, including why witnesses are called and the preparation of witness statements.
In the first in our series of inquest podcasts Liz Stokes and Elspeth Rose from Hempsons' healthcare advisory team talk to Jill Baker about inquests, what they are and why we have them.
Hempsons GP expert Ross Clark explains the role of GP provider companies in the context of primary care networks, and some of the key issues associated with the use of a PCN company.
Hempsons GP expert Ross Clark explains how the commissioning of NHS GP services has become more involved and complicated recently, and the reasons why.
Social care expert Philippa Doyle and Jill Baker discuss the CQC's current approach to inspections, having restarted them in the summer, after spending lockdown focusing on keeping in touch with providers remotely.
In this podcast Hempsons' primary care law experts Alison Oliver and Kirsty Odell examine what it means to be a partner in a GP practice from a legal perspective and answer some key questions.
Two of Hempsons' primary care law experts Alison Oliver and Kirsty Odell discuss some of the key considerations for GP practices considering mergers.
One of Hempsons' primary care law experts Kirsty Odell explores the process and challenges of exercising a right to require a partner to leave the GP partnership.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
