
NHS acute trusts
Healthcare is always at the forefront of society’s big issues; when the healthcare system faces challenges, this pervades all aspects of the community. We have a unique understanding of the breadth of these challenges and collaborate with NHS acute trusts across the country providing holistic advice. We work as extensions of the in-house teams we support, and our specialist lawyers take great pride in contributing towards the effective running of NHS acute trusts, bringing a down-to-earth approach that finds pragmatic and effective solutions.
We have wide-ranging expertise that enables us to provide top to bottom support from structural NHS governance to commercial activity, the workforce, the patients, the buildings they all step in to and new technologies to enhance service.
In particular, we provide support to NHS acute trust boards regarding policy decisions and contractual matters, assist safeguarding, risk and legal teams with inquests, clinical negligence, Court of Protection proceedings, mental health and mental capacity issues, guide HR departments in respect of employment issues and work with trusts to expand their property portfolios.
NHS acute trusts across the country receive bespoke support directed to their particular societal and economic situation but we also seek to bring the NHS community together ensuring collaboration and the sharing of insights between acute, mental health and community trusts as well as the wider healthcare system.
Key contacts

Carly Caton
Partner

Ed Pollard
Partner

Jacqui Atkinson
Head of Employment Healthcare
Testimonials
"Every member of team goes above and beyond to support us. Technically brilliant with a down to earth and easily understandable approach. Translates the legal speak into everyday language."
"I feel as though the team I work with are more like an extension of my own team, and whilst maintaining those professional boundaries, are still very approachable."
"The team are very approachable, and always give appropriate and relevant advice. There is a broad breadth of knowledge across the firm and open access to subject matter experts in specific areas. In particular the court of protection and healthcare team have a wealth of knowledge."
Latest insights and events
Training - Shared Insights
Giving evidence at a Coroner’s inquest – guidance for clinical witnesses
In Person Event
Mock Employment Tribunal: for NHS and independent health
Opinion
Cross-sector collaboration and civic leadership: Round table insight
Online Event
Data Shared Insights: Subject access requests
Online Event - Shared Insights
Shared Insights: Coroners Question Time
On-Demand - Shared Insights
The challenges caused by disordered eating in education, health and social care settings
Legal Update - Shared Insights
Shared Insights: Improving communication with patients and families when responding to incidents, complaints and claims
Legal Update - Shared Insights
Shared Insights: Racial disparities in healthcare and the role of health technology in improving equity, increasing patient safety and reducing claims
Legal Update - Procurement Act
Procurement Bill: Competitive flexible procedure, how will this work in practice?
Legal Update - Procurement Act
Procurement Bill - Are they still playing ping-pong?
Opinion
New framework to support flexible working in the NHS
Legal Update
Improving patient safety incident and complaint responses to rebuild broken trust
Legal Update
MHPS disciplinary processes: Dr’s application for interim injunction refused
Legal Update
Part 36 combined offers – when are they beaten?
Opinion
Government response to Pregnancy Loss Review recommends actions for NHS employers
Legal Update - Maternity services
The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan 2023
Opinion
NHS Long Term Workforce Plan unveiled
Opinion
Further NHS strike action announced although nurses dispute now at an end
Opinion
NHS announces artificial intelligence fund
Opinion
New ACAS guidance on 'Whistleblowing at work'
Opinion
The NHS pay deal – are all Agenda for Change staff eligible?
Opinion
Further three-day junior doctors strike announced for June
Published Article
Risks and opportunities arising through the use of AI in Healthcare
Published Article
Supporting employees with mental health issues
Opinion
NHS pay deal – is this the end of the dispute?
Opinion
Plans to amend NHS pension rules to bolster NHS workforce approved by government
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
Article
Mental health, eating disorders and placement of young people
Opinion
Consultation launched on plans to amend NHS pension rules to bolster NHS workforce
Legal Update - Shared Insights
Shared Insights: Prolonged disorders of consciousness
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
Opinion
BMA advises consultants not to accept less than the BMA minimum rate card for extra-contractual work
The BMA is advising all NHS / HSCNI consultants to ensure extra-contractual work is paid at the BMA minimum recommended rate and to decline offers of extra-contractual work that doesn't value them appropriately.
On-Demand
Leadership and lessons learnt during the Pandemic by Professor Jonathan Van-Tam
Legal Update - Shared Insights
Shared Insights: The Patient Safety Incident Response Framework
Opinion
NHS England – Updated Transaction Guidance
NHS England has published (October 2022) new guidance - Assuring and supporting complex change: Statutory transactions, including mergers and acquisitions.
Opinion
NHS England – Assuring and supporting complex change
NHS England has issued an updated (publication 11 October 2022) suite of Complex Change guidance about how it will assure and support proposals for complex change that are reportable to it. New and (where it is still in force) existing Complex Change guidance are as follows.