Independent health and care
At Browne Jacobson, we have one of the largest, most respected specialist health and care sector teams in the UK. We have more than 40 lawyers working exclusively in this complex part of the healthcare economy, supported by a wider, multi-disciplinary team of over 200.
We are at the forefront of society's biggest issues. We’ve advised our clients on business-critical matters, including Covid, contracting with the NHSE, and the impact of BREXIT on businesses in relation to staffing, data protection and the transfer of human tissue across borders.
We’ve supported international investors entering the UK healthcare market for the first time and developed buy-and-build platforms in social care. We often advise on the impact of CMA guidance and carry out compliance audits for clients in affected sub-sectors.
At Browne Jacobson, we understand the challenges faced by providers in this sector with reducing profit margins and increased focus on quality.
Our multi-disciplinary team provides support on the full spectrum of legal matters across independent health and care, ranging from large strategic transactions and partnerships to responding to ad-hoc contractual queries, advising on procurement, contract negotiation and finance as well as advising on employment matters and real estate issues and developments.
Our barrister-led specialist regulatory team offers a 24/7, 365-day regulatory helpline which supports you with inquests, claims, commercial litigation and procurement challenges.
Above all, we pride ourselves on being connectors. Across our independent healthcare team, we enjoy bringing clients and intermediaries together to benefit each other and the wider sector. That’s why we work hard to introduce you to providers of complementary or necessary services, when appropriate.
Our deep understanding allows us to provide rounded, pragmatic advice which leads to enduring relationships based on trust.
Our expertise
Featured experience
A biotechnology company
Supported Sygnature Discovery’s in-house legal and contracts team for over a year through our instant in-house offering. We have worked with them to develop a suite of standard documents for use with international pharma clients.
A household name care home group
Advising throughout police, CQC and fire authority investigations and prosecution including in the Court of Appeal. Complementary representation in inquest proceedings and a related civil claim.
A major private mental health care provider
Representation at some of the most high profile complex inquests involving inpatient and community deaths, as well as providing speedy and forthright advisory and robust litigation assistance.
A buy and build platform
Advised a number of platforms in the senior living sector from straightforward transactions, estate development, HR support, drafting standard terms and CQC registration.
Key contacts
Clare Auty
Partner
Victoria Thourgood
Partner
Carly Caton
Partner
Heather Caddy
Partner
Testimonials
"Browne Jacobson’s health Team can always be relied upon for support through difficult issues which sometimes arise, and they work towards the best resolution quickly."
"The relationship between solicitors within the team, paralegals and other legal support and barristers on a case is extremely collaborative- more so than any other firm I work with. There is very much a team approach in conducting complex cases which is essential to benefit the client concerned."
"All the team are very approachable and use plain English, they return calls on time and keep to schedules as defined. The use of the drop box for documents was especially helpful with large amounts of Patient identifiable information. Have started to offer good training sessions to update on case law, LPS and modernisation of the Mental Health Act."
"Browne Jacobson has mastered the art of being friendly and approachable whilst providing high quality legal advice which represents excellent value for money. They understand the needs and pressures on my organisation and support us superbly at times of difficulty."
Latest insights and events
Online Event
Data Shared Insights: Information sharing – why, when, how?
Online Event - Shared Insights
Shared Insights with Irwin Mitchell: Improving communication with patients and families
Opinion
Modern slavery in the care sector – how employers can manage risks
Published Article
Investing in healthcare in Saudi Arabia under the new regulatory framework
Legal Update
Advising on alternative treatments for patients – what is the legal test to be applied?
Press Release
Law firm champions social care as thousands of care homes set to open their doors
Opinion
New ACAS guidance on 'Whistleblowing at work'
Legal Update
Retirement housing: A solution to our care and housing crises?
Online Event
Mock Inquest Training Sessions
Press Release
Law firm launches new Health and Care Connect forum for the independent health and care sector
Published Article
Supporting employees with mental health issues
Legal Update - Shared Insights
Shared Insights: PSIRF and what it means for Independent Providers
Legal Update - Procurement Act
Automatic suspension and procurement law
Opinion
Increase to 20 hour limit on supplementary employment for Health and Care Worker visa holders
Legal Update - Procurement Act
Procurement Bill debarment regime and ECHR issues
Guide - Procurement Act
Public procurement: key facts and compliance considerations
On-Demand
Future of Care - Retirement Living webinar
Opinion
BMA issues medical locum rate card for junior doctors
Opinion
New toolkit to support safer recruitment in the care sector
On-Demand
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) in the context of retirement living
Legal Update
LPS consultation and ‘go live’ planning
Published Article
How AI and technology can transform the healthcare sector
On-Demand
Insights from the Chief Coroner by His Honour Judge Thomas Teague, KC
On-Demand
Leadership and lessons learnt during the Pandemic by Professor Jonathan Van-Tam
Guide
Highlights from the Health and Care Connect Conference
Opinion - Procurement Act
Procurement Bill - what’s new in 2022?
Legal Update - Procurement Act
Pre procurement planning the importance of early market engagement
On-Demand - Procurement Act
Get ready for reform: The new Procurement Bill
Legal Update - Procurement Act
The Procurement Bill - selection, exclusion, conflict of interests and debarment
Opinion - Maternity services
The impact of COVID-19 on maternal deaths
HSIB published its report on Maternal deaths during the first wave of COVID-19. The report takes a closer look at the impact that COVID-19 had during the initial period of March to May 2020.
Legal Update - Procurement Act
Public procurement: Plus ça change, plus c’est la même choses
Legal Update - Maternity services
The Ockenden Final Report – a blueprint for safe maternity care from ward to Board
The much anticipated final Ockenden report was published on 30 March 2020. The final report sets out the findings of the review into care provided to 1,486 families, and sets out a blueprint for safe maternity care.
On-Demand - Procurement Act
Procurement Bill - key changes and how will it affect you?
On-Demand
Commissioning Health Tech in an ICS World
We invite you to watch our on-demand webinar which looks into how healthtech is commissioned from a health and tech perspective.
Legal Update
Covid 19 public inquiry
The start of the public inquiry into Covid-19 in the UK has moved one step closer with the appointment on December 17 2021 of Baroness Heather Hallett to chair the inquiry. The inquiry was announced in May last year and is due to start in the spring of 2022.
Legal Update
Deal activity and market update in health and social care sector
In the last nine months of 2021 we saw a huge amount of activity across all sub-sectors of health and social care.
Legal Update
Building Blocks: health and care buildings in 2022
Legal Update
“Original cause” – Aggregation clauses in insurance contracts – Spire Healthcare v Royal & Sun Alliance [2022] EWCA Civ 17
A recent Court of Appeal judgment has provided some useful and much-needed clarity on the interpretation and application of aggregation clauses in insurance contracts.
Press Release
Corporate dealmakers advise on key acquisition of Leeds based fertility health clinic
On-Demand
ICS Development
This one-hour webinar includes an overview of new legislation in a developing ICS, as well as the key features for developing integrated care partnerships, how local authorities can work collaboratively with health organisations, and how ICS structures can be developed to support key system priorities.