PI Brief Update

Book Review: 'Clinical Negligence' Edited by Michael Powers QC & Anthony Barton (Bloomsbury Professional, Fifth Edition, 2015)

25/09/15. There are certain law books that stand out as in a class of their own and this fifth edition of 'Clinical Negligence' stands tall among them. Published by Bloomsbury Professional and edited by Dr Michael J Powers and Dr Anthony Barton this is a comprehensive text on both the legal and medical aspects of the ever-expanding area which is clinical negligence. It has been written by a team of 54 experts and gives detailed guidance not only on the issues which can arise in the bringing of a claim but also an examination of numerous particular areas of specialist medical practice which can arise in such cases.

What's more this is a major new edition given that the last one was way back in 2008. Much has happened since then and this book takes in issues such as the new funding new funding and costs regimes, the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and The Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry as well as cases such as Montgomery v Lanarkshire, Sienkievicz v Greif, Bailey v Ministry of Defence, Whetstone v MPS and Woodland v Essex County Council.

But this is only to skim the surface of what is an incredibly detailed survey of the problems which can arise. What's more, despite both the breadth and depth of its content it remains both clear and accessible. This is in no small part due to the clear structure of the book both in terms of the chapters themselves as well as how they are further broken down and it is a testament both to the quality of the writers and also the editors that such a diverse team of contributors has been knitted together into such a clear guide.

I would highly recommend this book for those practising in this area. It is high quality, clear and comprehensive and will no doubt prove an invaluable source of reference. Five stars on all counts.

★★★★★ 5/5

Review by Tim Kevan, co-editor, PIBULJ.COM