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Kings View Chambers successfully defend doctor before MPTS

Head of chambers, Stephen McCaffrey and Catherine Stock, have successfully defended a foundation doctor before the GMC’s Fitness to Practise Panel.

The foundation doctor was referred to the GMC by two separate teaching hospitals for failing their Foundation Programme.

The foundation doctor appeared before the Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) panel where their contract was discontinued.

The foundation doctor was consequently referred to the GMC who decided to deal with matter as a competency issue before the Fitness to Practise Panel at the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS).

Kings View Chambers continually objected to this approach by the GMC on a number of grounds but principally on the grounds that their evidence was limited to reliance of the ARCP Chair’s witness that that of an expert witness rather than the individuals who allegedly witnessed the issues.

Kings View Chambers made an application to the MPTS as a preliminary legal argument to seek a ruling that all their evidence was inadmissible. Stephen McCaffrey appeared for the foundation doctor before the MPTS and successfully argued that the case was manifestly unfair and a breach of Article 6 of the Human Rights Act in its current form on the basis that no opportunity would exist to cross-examine any witnesses on events because the GMC were refusing to call them.

The foundation doctor, represented by Kings View Chambers, said: “Absolutely brilliant – thanks so much for fighting for me. Even if we had lost the argument, I would have been delighted with the way Stephen and Catherine fought. I am delighted we moved representation and found you because no one has fought the GMC on my behalf like that so far. I cannot tell you how much this means. Thank you – I am lost for words.”

Catherine Stock gives lecture Glasgow Caledonian University

Joint Head of Kings View Chambers, Catherine Stock, has delivered a lecture to nursing students at Glasgow Caledonian University.

Catherine led an informal lecture and a Q&A session with BSc nursing students at the university. Catherine’s session focussed on the topics of “knowing your regulator the NMC” and the “evolving NMC Fitness to Practise Strategy” looking at the top 10 issues that will cause your regulator to take action against nurses.

Catherine said: “It was a pleasure to be invited to deliver the informal lecture to the nursing students studying for their BSc degree.

“There were lots of questions and discussion and good feedback from the nursing students who attended.”

Catherine has been invited back to deliver another lecture to the entire final year class later this year.

Catherine is a leading healthcare law and defence barrister with years of experience in representing nurses and midwives facing NMC Fitness to Practise investigations and proceedings. She recent delivered a BUPA Healthcare lecture on the changing landscape of the NMC’s Fitness to Practise strategy.

National Pubwatch award first Star Award – Sponsored Licensing Defence Barristers

During the 2019 National Pubwatch (NPW) national conference, the first ever Licensing Defence Barristers Star Award was awarded.

Chester Pubwatch Chair Jenni Haken was the proud recipient of the first NPW Star Award.

NPW representatives and guests met at the Stonegate Music Hall Tap bar in the heart of the city centre. The award was presented to Jenni who recently took over the role from outgoing Chairman Frank Marnell. The award was acknowledgement for her commitment to Chester Pubwatch, having carried out the role of scheme Secretary for several years.

The award was presented to Jennie by Stonegate Chairman Ian Payne MBE.

Head of Licensing Defence Barristers, Stephen McCaffrey, commenting on the Licensing Defence Barristers sponsored award said: “Congratulations Jenni from Licensing Defence Barristers.

“Licensing Defence Barristers is pleased to be sponsors of the National Pubwatch Regional Star Award. Pubwatch makes a valuable contribution to maintaining high standards in the sector by promoting best practice around the country.

“A well-run licensed premises is good for business and can make a positive contribution to local communities. Sometime things do go wrong however which is where Licensing Defence Barristers can help.

“Licensing Defence Barristers is a licensing chambers specialising in all matters relating to alcohol, entertainment and late-night refreshment licensing law. We offer all National Pubwatch members a 10% discount on our legal services.”

Head of chambers appointed Non-Executive Director of the Richmond Fellowship

Stephen McCaffrey, joint head of chambers at Kings View Chambers, has been co-opted on the Management Committee of The Richmond Fellowship Scotland as a Non-Executive Director.

The Richmond Fellowship Scotland is a charity which supports around 2500 people across Scotland with a broad range of needs to live as independently as possible in their own homes and communities.

The charity is the largest provider of social care services in Scotland, providing personalised, high-quality community-based support services for those who require support in their lives. The charity’s clients vary from those with mental health difficulties such as learning disabilities or autism to others that have dementia, alcohol or drug issues or forensic backgrounds.

Stephen’s appointment as a Non-Executive Director is a testimony of his profile as a leading healthcare and medical barrister. He has recently obtained a Diploma in safeguarding law in addition to his other medical law and practice qualifications.

In addition to his legal background, Stephen has a wealth of entrepreneurial and business skills and experience that will benefit the Richmond Fellowship greatly.

In response to the appointment, Stephen said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to the Management Committee of The Richmond Fellowship Scotland.

“The Richmond Fellowship is the biggest charity providing health and social care in Scotland and my appointment to the Management Committee is great for both me personally but also for Kings View Chambers.

“The appointment will continue to cement Kings View Chambers as a leading chambers with an increasingly broad experience and influence in the healthcare law sector.”

Stephen McCaffrey appointed external NMC Counsel

Kings View Chambers are pleased to announce that Stephen McCaffrey has been appointed as external counsel to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Stephen has been appointed based on his extensive experience in the field of nursing and midwifery law and regulation.

As external counsel, the NMC instructs Stephen to represent the nursing and midwifery regulator and to present cases at NMC fitness to practice hearings in Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff and London.

After the appointment, Stephen said: “I am absolutely delighted to be appointed as external counsel to the NMC.

“As a medical law and regulation barrister, I have gained extensive experience in defending and representing clients before regulatory hearings.

“This appointment allows me to further progress my specialism as a regulatory barrister.”

Stephen is joint head of Kings View Chambers. As a leading regulatory law barrister, Stephen has vast experience in defending all healthcare professionals in all courts and tribunals ranging from doctors, nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals.

His experience includes defending and representing healthcare professionals including issues with registration, complaints, professional competence, health issues and allegations of misconduct.

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