Professional Standards/Negligence – Medical Obstetrics / Gynaecology experts

Introduction

Experts in this field specialise in the professional standards that govern the field of obstetrics and gynaecology. Obstetrics concerns pregnancy and birth and gynaecology concerns the sexual and reproductive health needs of genetically female people. Negligence is not the same as making a mistake, and this is an especially important distinction within healthcare where risk is often an inherent factor to any procedure. Negligence occurs when proper safety measures have not been followed, when there is a failure to uphold the standards set out by the employer, and when the duty of care if breached.

Obstetrics and gynaecology is a particularly contentious area of professional standards and negligence due to the severity of the consequences of issues in that field. Especially in the case of a mishandled birth, the role of practitioners in a death or serious illness/injury will be called into question, especially due to the significant emotional turmoil of the grieving family of the child. It is extremely important that there are experts such as these so that the distinction between regular risk and true negligence can be made. These experts will investigate the complex processes and risk factors to determine important information in court cases for example, whether a stillbirth can be explained by the regular risks or health factors, or if more could have been done. 

Experts in this area can come from many professional backgrounds. Many will have worked (and were trained) specifically as health professionals such as nurses or doctors. Some will be standards experts, or have had experience working in the regulation of health care in maternity wards, gynaecological treatment or otherwise. The specific specialisation and background needed in your obstetrics and gynaecology expert will be determined by the matter for which they are required.

At the bottom of this profile are brief details of a number of the experts that Expert Experts represents. Call our office to discuss your requirements and to obtain a recommendation that suits your needs and budget.

Expertise in Action

Experts in the professional standards and negligence of obstetrics and gynaecology can be called upon to assist in cases relating to malpractice in those fields, disputes regarding duty of care, and cases involving the treatment of genetically female patients, as well as many more.

Sample Reports

For some fields of expertise we have some sample sections of de-identified reports. Please contact our office if you are interested in a sample.

Cost

The overall cost of expert opinion depends on the services required. Some of the key factors that affect the cost of advice include:

• The need for a view or inspection of a location
• The quantity of documentary material to be reviewed
• Whether there are reports of other experts to be reviewed and commented on in detail
• Whether there is a need for conferences with the expert either in person or by telephone/Skype

Relevant Articles Obstetrics and Gynaecology Negligence.

An introduction to the common causes of compensation claims in obstetrics and gynaecology.

Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Paediatric Negligence Lawyers.

A legal perspective on medical negligence in this field.

Relevant Cases Johns v Director of Proceedings [2017] NZHC 2843 (20 November 2017)

A case involving medical malpractice in the delivery of a stillborn baby.

AB & Ors v Tameside & Glossop Health Authority & Anor [1996] EWCA Civ 938 (13 November 1996)

A case involving the duty of a medical centre to inform OBGYN clients that one of the practitioners had been diagnosed as HIV positive.

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