Addleshaw Goddard has a strong track record advising NHS Trusts on a number of high-profile PFI hand back transactions, as well as disputes and settlements for distressed PFI projects. Assisting clients on the termination of the Lloyds outpatient pharmacy services, infrastructure projects and high-profile inquiries are further key areas in which the team has been especially active. Michael O’Connor and Stephanie Townley are the North-west based practice heads, with O’Connor leading on both public and private transactions and procurement mandates and Stephanie Townley covering infrastructure and energy projects in the healthcare sector. Philip Dupres is a trusted advisor of NHS trusts across the entire country, Sarah Wilson leads on construction and engineering disputes in the healthcare space, with support from Laura Brunt and Rachel Eggington, who are well versed in PFI transactions.
Health in North West
Addleshaw Goddard
Praxisleiter:
Michael O’Connor; Stephanie Townley
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Andrew Pettinger; Philip Dupres; Sarah Wilson; Laura Brunt; Rachel Eggington
Referenzen
‘The team are excellent. The are available when needed, work at pace and have supported us well with complex, specialist negotiations across Government, the wider public sector and the private sector.’
Kernmandanten
University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust and D-Hive Limited
Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
GB Partnerships Limited
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Lancashire Hospitals Services Limited
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management Limited
Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Atlas BFW Management Limited
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust
Scottish Futures Trust
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust on the full and final settlement of a number of years of disputes with Consort Healthcare (Tameside) PLC (Consort) in relation to the Tameside General Hospital PFI contract.
- Advised Stockport NHS Foundation Trust in relation to the expiry and handback of The Meadows, a specialist mental health facility from Walker Healthcare.
- Advised various NHS Trusts in Newcastle, Liverpool and across Lancashire and South Cumbria on their options as a result of the national exit of Lloyds Pharmacy from the outpatient pharmacy market.
Browne Jacobson LLP
With a client base including NHS bodies, local authorities as well as a significant number of independent healthcare and life sciences providers, Browne Jacobson LLP is active across a broad range of mandates. These include corporate restructurings and governance advice, transactions, high-profile inquests, employment, real estate as well as providing ongoing regulatory support. Manchester-based Gerard Hanratty leads the national practice and has extensive experience across the healthcare sector, spanning from handling inquiries, supporting system reorganisations and providing governance advice. Victoria Thourgood focuses on real estate developments, asset management and corporate transactions, while Christian Dingwall– who returned to a consultancy role in January 2025- covers NHS corporate transactions and service transformations. Meanwhile, Rebecca Fitzpatrick concentrates on mental health and mental capacity law matters, and Rebecca Hainsworth is a further key practitioner.
Praxisleiter:
Gerard Hanratty
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Victoria Thourgood; Christian Dingwall; Rebecca Fitzpatrick; Rebecca Hainsworth
Referenzen
‘Very responsive and attentive team, no chasing required!’
‘Strong in working collaboratively with NHS Providers.’
‘Rebecca Hainsworth. Very responsive, bringing significant experience of supporting NHS Group development.’
Kernmandanten
Advanced Clinical Solutions
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Bionical Solutions Limited
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
Care Fertility Limited
Doccla
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Dudley Integrated Health and Care NHS Trust
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Ergea
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Food Allergy Immunotherapy Limited
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
King’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
NHS England
NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board
NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board
NHS Providers
North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust
North Tees and Hartlepool Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Prime PLC
Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
Siemens Healthcare Limited
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
SWFT Clinical Services
Stockport NHS Foundation
Swansea Bay University Health Board
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
University College Hospitals London NHS Foundation Trust
Vision Express Limited
Welsh Government
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust
Wrightington Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
DAC Beachcroft LLP
DAC Beachcroft LLP undertakes a range of clinical negligence matters, including large multi-party claims, product liability issues, regulatory and criminal investigations as well as a range of mental health matters for a significant number of NHS trusts and foundations. Manchester-based Sean Doherty leads the team and advises NHS resolution as well as various other NHS trusts on a range of regulatory, criminal and clinical negligence investigations and proceedings. Further active practitioners in Manchester include Harald Loeffler, Joanne Dumphy, Caroline Dean, Claire Fitzgerald and Alex-Faye Grundy. Oliver Crich left the team in August 2024.
Praxisleiter:
Sean Doherty
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Harald Loeffler; Caroline Dean; Claire Fitzgerald; Alex-Faye Grundy; Joanne Dumphy
Referenzen
‘Completely outstanding in all respects.’
‘Sean Doherty – diligent understanding of our specific needs. Attentive and responsive Joanne Dumphy – her core advice is clear but always pragmatic, recognising our own challenges and operational imperatives. Her advice goes beyond the boundaries of the procedural position and her guidance empowers our own team.’
‘Strong knowledgeable team with keenness to engage in training and patient safety.’
Kernmandanten
NHS Resolution
NHS England
MDU
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
North West Boroughs Healthcare
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
ONE LSC Provider Collaborative
NOE CPC
NHS SBS
Crown Commercial Services
Health Trust Europe
Cheshire & Merseyside ICS Framework
York Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
Barnsley Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Airedale NHS Foundation Trust
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Harrogate NHS Foundation Trust
Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Sheffield Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
City Health Care Partnership CIC
Humber NHS Foundation Trust
Health Research Authority
Guys and St Thomas‘ NHS Foundation Trust
University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
North East London ICB
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Manchester University Foundation Trust in the North West in relation to the evolving drafts of the NHP Agreement including highlighting the key risks (such as best for Programme Decisions, NHP Resolution Rights, compliance with Hospital 2.0 design) and mitigation factors in relation to these risks.
- Advising the four acute NHS Trusts in the Lancashire and South Cumbria integrated care system: Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and University Hospitals of Morecombe Bay NHS Foundation Trust on a procurement for a multi-disciplinary managed pathology services provider to work across all four Trusts.
Hill Dickinson LLP
Hill Dickinson LLP stands out for its extensive experience advising NHS Trusts, ICBs and Mental Health Trusts on nationally recognised inquiries, which has recently included constant advice in the Thirlwall Inquiry and the Infected Blood Inquiry. The team also handles a number of contentious and non-contentious employment matters, which head of health employment Michael Wright regularly leads, with support from James Upton. Andrew Craggs heads the firmwide Health Business Group, Joanna Trewin oversees the Manchester team and has knowledge in inquiries and offender healthcare matters, Emma Stockwell specialises in corporate governance, information governance and regulatory matters and Sharon Thomas is a standout mental health lawyer.
Praxisleiter:
Andrew Craggs; Joanna Trewin; Emma Stockwell; Sharon Thomas; Michael Wright
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Rebecca Sharrock; James Upton; Louise Wilson; Rachael Watkinson; Elizabeth Wallace; Roisin Reidy; Rachel Kelly
Referenzen
‘Louise Wilson is an absolute star on mental health matters, particularly children’s mental health matters. This is such a tricky area of law and I think she is one of the few people in the country that really understands it. I am always so impressed whenever I see her and have recommended her many times.’
‘The team provide advice on a range of health related matters (CoP/DoLS, Responsible Commissioner, Section 21a challenge etc.) and are responsive, clear in their communications and collaborative in their approach to training and information.’
‘Individuals are proactive and responsive in their communication, work to build and maintain a relations and show an interest in the work of the organisation. Professional in their approach and advice is tailored, consistent and clear.’
Kernmandanten
Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
NHS Greater Manchester ICB
Deloitte
NHS England
NHS Black Country
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
East Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
University Hospitals Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust
Spectrum Community Health CIC
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital NHS FT
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented the Countess of Chester NHS Foundation Trust at the Thirlwall Inquiry into events leading to the conviction of Lucy Letby of murdering babies in the neonatal unit.
- Instructed as the external lead legal advisor for NHS England in relation to the relevant parts of the draft Mental Health Bill, affecting NHS England and NHS commissioners and providers as it was being amended and prepared to be put before Parliament.
- Represented 6 GP practices in connection with their relocation from existing premises to 3 new Health Hubs to be constructed by Sheffield City Council using grant funding provided by NHS England.
Weightmans LLP
Weightmans LLP 's healthcare practice is praised for demonstrating ‘a thorough grasp of NHS structures and clinical governance’, which is applied on public inquiry, large-scale clinical negligence, employment and corporate mandates. The team advises a large number of NHS bodies, primary care practices, local and government organisations as well as various private and independent health and care providers. The practice is led by a trio of practitioners including Richard Jolly, who advises NHS trusts on a range of issues including complaints and serious incident investigations, while Dewi Ap-Thomas provides expert advice on maternity and baby related deaths and inquests. Emlyn Williams covers the gamut of employment matters, and Jessica Swift frequently represents NHS trusts in high-profile, nationally recognised inquests. Ian Pace predominantly focuses on employment matters, including contentious cases before the employment tribunal. Nichola Halpin joined the practice in April 2024 and bolsters the team in healthcare regulatory matters.
Praxisleiter:
Richard Jolly; Dewi Ap-Thomas; Emlyn Williams
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Jessica Swift; Ian Pace; Nichola Halpin; Saira Ali; Martin English; Ian Critchley
Referenzen
‘What stands out most is their deep understanding of the complexities we face in healthcare. They don’t just provide legal representation; they genuinely understand the pressures, sensitivities, and reputational risks. Their commitment to working collaboratively with us—not just as legal representatives but as trusted partners—sets them apart.’
‘The team demonstrates a thorough grasp of NHS structures and clinical governance. They anticipate potential issues and provide pragmatic solutions, ensuring we are always well-prepared. While the entire team is impressive, certain individuals have made a particularly lasting impact: Dewi Ap-Thomas, Nichola Halpin and Jessica Swift for their meticulous preparation and attention to detail. They are a strong advocate with an innate ability to manage sensitive situations.’
‘Thinking outside the box.’
Kernmandanten
NHS Resolution
Tameside & Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
Mersey and West Lancashire Hospitals NHS FT
Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS FT
NHS Blood & Transplant
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Stockport NHS FT
Liverpool University NHS FT
Alder Hey Children’s NHS FT
Countess of Chester NHS FT
The Christie NHS FT
NHS England
Wirral Community Health and Care NHS FT
Mersey Care NHS FT
Partnership Caring Ltd
Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS FT
Wirral University Hospitals NHS FT
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS FT
East Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS FT
Highlight-Mandate
- Advise an NHS Trust in relation to the significant involvement in matters relating to the statutory public inquiry investigating the concerns arising from the crimes committed by neonatal nurse Lucy Letby.
- Instructed by a NHS Trust to provide governance advice to support the arrangements around integration and collaborative models of care between two NHS Trusts.
- Instructed by the primary NHS emergency responder in relation to the events that occurred around the tragic stabbing of three girls at a Taylor Swift dance event in Southport.
Brabners LLP
Praised for its ‘genuinely client-focused approach’, Brabners LLP ‘s offering encompasses specialist advice to pharmacy and dental practices, telehealth and telemedicine businesses and healthcare professionals across litigation, professional conduct, clinical negligence and various regulatory matters. Practice head Richard Hough is a qualified pharmacist and focuses his practice on this sector, regularly handling regulatory, corporate, data protection and contentious matters. Further key practitioners include David Seddon, who covers pharmacy, dental practice and GP sales and acquisition as well as Fiona Tinsley, who focuses on medical negligence cases, and employment expert Brendan McAleese, both of whom were made partner in May 2024. Thorrun Govind joined the practice in May 2024, who has in-depth knowledge of the pharmacy sector, often handling regulatory and professional conduct mandates.
Praxisleiter:
Richard Hough
Weitere Kernanwälte:
David Seddon; Fiona Tinsley; Brendan McAleese; Thorrun Govind; Claire Burrows
Referenzen
‘Fiona Tinsley brings a joy to her work. This combined with their high intelligence, empathy and a fierce commitment to her clients makes her an irresistible force in the area.’
‘Brabners LLP’s Health practice stands out because of its deep understanding of the healthcare sector and its genuinely client-focused approach. The team doesn’t just offer legal advice—they take the time to understand each client’s specific challenges and provide practical, commercially sound solutions.’
‘The team are fast and responsive, friendly and approachable, understanding of diverse business models, and knowledgeable and authoritative. They have particular appreciation of the pharmacy sector and their team includes registered pharmacists with significant experience.’
Kernmandanten
Well Pharmacy
Pharmacy 2U
Lloyds Direct
Pharmaceuticals Direct
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
The Bullen Healthcare Group
Medtrade Products
Releaf
Truepill
Treated.com
NorthWest EHealth
Centred Solutions
Chemist-4-u
Doktor ABC
HubRx
Peak Pharmacy
Jardines Pharmacy Group
UK Meds Direct
Charac
Habitual Health
Fieldfisher
Fieldfisher houses a ‘first class’ healthcare team, with the primary focus of the Manchester-based practice being on regulatory advice. The group advises a number of medical regulatory bodies, technology companies and online providers of medical devices and digital health services and various other private healthcare providers. Sarah Ellson leads the practice and is an expert in regulatory aspects of medicines, cannabis products, medical devices and services, while also assisting on a number of high-profile inquiries. Charlotte Round advises on healthcare financing transactions, while Abigail Scholefield ‘delivers a gold standard service to clients’. Martin Sleight assists notable healthcare regulators and Chloe Williams supports clients on a range of matters, including medical cannabis and CBD related work.
Praxisleiter:
Sarah Ellson
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Charlotte Round; Abigail Scholefield; Martin Sleight; Chloe Williams
Referenzen
‘The firm is pre-eminent in the field of health related public Inquiries.’
‘A first class team with a very deep bench of talent. Fieldfisher have been leaders in the health field for years.’
‘Abigail Scholefield is extremely experienced in large scale public inquiries and inquests. She is extremely organised and very good at managing large scale disclosure exercises.’
Kernmandanten
Thirlwall Inquiry
UK Covid-19 Inquiry
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
Human Tissue Authority
Myeloma UK
Phoenix Medical / Rowlands Pharmacy
Jersey Hemp
Shawbrook Bank
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Myeloma UK on further appeals against decisions by NICE – successfully securing new decisions about the funding of cancer medicine.
- Supporting the Thirlwall Inquiry examining events at the Countess of Chester Hospital and their implications following the trial, and subsequent convictions, of former neonatal nurse Lucy Letby of murder and attempted murder of babies at the hospital.
- Running Module 3 of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry looking at the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on healthcare systems in the four nations of the UK.
Mills & Reeve LLP
Instructed by clients including NHS Trusts and NHS integrated care boards on a range of matters, Mills & Reeve LLP's Manchester-based practitioners have supported on a number of inquiries, capital schemes and infrastructure projects, as well as complex Court of Protection matters. The team has also played an active role in the ongoing digital transformation of the NHS, with Charlotte Lewis advising various NHS foundation trusts on the procurement of electronic patient records. Further key names in Manchester include Jennifer Lewis, who is a specialist in health real estate, and Leah Selkirk, who assists on high profile investigations and mental capacity law issues.
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Charlotte Lewis; Jennifer Lewis; Leah Selkirk
Referenzen
‘Charlotte Lewis has an exceptional understanding of how to operate commercially within the public sector.’
‘Mills & Reeve are always willing to take on a challenge whether that involves the complexities of a case but also, more commonly, a really speedy turnaround and completion of the work. Mills & Reeve has always risen to such challenges and have gone ‚the extra mile‘ in order to deliver the work.’
‘The team comprise of people that have gained the Trust and respect of health service providers and are really personable approachable people. My go to person is Jennifer Lewis.’
Kernmandanten
Supply Chain Coordination Limited
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board
Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Lancashire Hospitals Services Limited
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
Department of Health and Social Care
Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust
Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board
Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust
Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust and Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Kings Lynn NHS Foundation Trust
NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board
South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust and Innovate Healthcare Services Ltd
The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust
NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board
South Warwickshire University Foundation NHS Trust
NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting for NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board in the leading Court of Protection decision on the issue of anticipatory declarations. It is the first reported English case considering dissociative identity disorder and mental capacity.
- Advising Supply Chain Coordination Limited in connection with Module 5 of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.
- Advising Norfolk and Waveney’s Acute Hospital Collaborative involving three acute hospitals trusts (James Paget University Hospitals, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals and Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn).