SHEFFIELD MEDICOLEGAL

Clinical Negligence Reports in Anaesthesia and Critical Care

Sheffield medicolegal provides advice and reports for clinical negligence cases involving anaesthesia and critical care.

WELCOME

Welcome

I am a doctor, expert witness, writer and incurably curious observer of how people and organisations behave.

I tend to approach the world from the left of centre, but with a pragmatic streak. Good ideas can have unintended consequences. Bad systems can be populated by good people. And occasionally something everyone knows to be true turns out to be rather more complicated.

I explore the contradictions, of political thinking, market forces and try and interrogate the narrative

Some articles examine healthcare, leadership and organisational failure. Others use fictional companies, imaginary countries and stories to ask questions about hierarchy, incentives, power and human behaviour.

The stories are an invitation to look at familiar things from an unfamiliar angle.

Welcome to Clear Lines a narrative on people, thoughts, ideas and economics.

Expert

Services

Provide a general description of the items below and introduce the services you offer. Click on the text box to edit the content.

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Independent Expert Reports

I prepare clear, independent expert reports in anaesthesia and critical care. Each report reconstructs the clinical timeline, identifies the questions in dispute and compares the care provided with the standards reasonably expected at the time.

The analysis considers competing explanations and alternative outcomes, distinguishing what is established by the contemporaneous evidence from what remains uncertain. Breach of duty and causation are considered separately, with conclusions explained in a balanced, logical and reproducible way.

My duty is to assist the court. Opinions are therefore impartial and evidence-based, whether they support or challenge the case advanced by the instructing party.

Preliminary Case Review

Where the issues or prospects of a case are not yet clear, I can undertake a focused preliminary review. This may help identify the relevant clinical questions, the evidence needed, matters requiring further investigation and whether a full expert report would be proportionate.

Medico-Legal Commentary

I write concise commentaries on developments in clinical negligence and expert evidence. These articles examine significant judgments, changing expectations of expert witnesses and the practical lessons arising from individual cases.

The purpose is not simply to summarise a decision, but to consider what it tells us about evidence, clinical reasoning, impartiality and the preparation of effective expert reports.

Clear Lines: Essays and Fiction

I write about medicine, evidence, organisations and human behaviour.

Some essays examine developments in clinical negligence, expert evidence and the standards expected by the courts. Others explore organisational failure, hierarchy, incentives and decision-making. My fiction approaches similar questions through imagined people, institutions and events.

Although these forms of writing are different, they share a common purpose: to take complicated material, examine competing perspectives and create a clear and coherent narrative without losing uncertainty or nuance.

I would like a black and white drawing o

Medico-Legal Essays and Commentary

Fiction and Narrative Writing

Medico-Legal Essays and Commentary

Medical Reporting Organisations and Their Evolving Role in Medical Negligence Reports

Medical negligence cases often turn on one thing long before they reach settlement talks or trial: the quality, timing and independence of the expert medical report. For solicitors, the report can shape the whole direction of a claim. It may confirm that breach of duty is arguable, explain causation, identify the extent of injury, or show that the case is unlikely to succeed. For claimants, it can be the first clear explanation of what may have happened. For defendants and in

Economic play book four: Debt mountain

The alarm rang for six o’clock. Sarah hit the snooze button, then remembered she had to go to London this morning. A meeting with the commons select committee on MFU and future finance. She reluctantly got up, showered and dressed. She’d laid out a pressed blouse and trouser suit the night before. She pressed the double espresso button on the coffee machine and waited. She wasn’t a breakfast kind of person but threw some fruit in her bag and her favourite dark chocolate. She

Sedation Negligence Legal Analysis: Analyzing Procedural Sedation Negligence Claims

Procedural sedation is a critical component in many medical interventions, designed to ensure patient comfort and cooperation during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. However, when sedation is administered improperly, it can lead to serious complications, sometimes resulting in legal claims. This article provides a detailed legal analysis of sedation negligence, focusing on the key elements that underpin claims related to procedural sedation. The aim is to offer clear, ev

Medical Reporting Organisations and Their Evolving Role in Medical Negligence Reports

Medical negligence cases often turn on one thing long before they reach settlement talks or trial: the quality, timing and independence of the expert medical report. For solicitors, the report can shape the whole direction of a claim. It may confirm that breach of duty is arguable, explain causation, identify the extent of injury, or show that the case is unlikely to succeed. For claimants, it can be the first clear explanation of what may have happened. For defendants and in

davidturnbull2

Economic play book four: Debt mountain

The alarm rang for six o’clock. Sarah hit the snooze button, then remembered she had to go to London this morning. A meeting with the commons select committee on MFU and future finance. She reluctantly got up, showered and dressed. She’d laid out a pressed blouse and trouser suit the night before. She pressed the double espresso button on the coffee machine and waited. She wasn’t a breakfast kind of person but threw some fruit in her bag and her favourite dark chocolate. She

davidturnbull2

Sedation Negligence Legal Analysis: Analyzing Procedural Sedation Negligence Claims

Procedural sedation is a critical component in many medical interventions, designed to ensure patient comfort and cooperation during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. However, when sedation is administered improperly, it can lead to serious complications, sometimes resulting in legal claims. This article provides a detailed legal analysis of sedation negligence, focusing on the key elements that underpin claims related to procedural sedation. The aim is to offer clear, ev

davidturnbull2

The Use of Generative AI in reporting

I use generative AI as a supporting tool in some aspects of my writing. It can assist with organising complex material, exploring alternative ways of presenting an argument, refining language and improving the clarity and structure of a draft.

In professional and medico-legal work, AI does not determine the facts, independently interpret the clinical records, establish the appropriate standard of care or formulate my expert opinion. Source material, references and factual statements are checked by me, and all professional conclusions are reached through my own clinical analysis and independent judgement.

In essays and fiction, AI may support research, editing and the development of ideas. The selection of subject matter, underlying argument, narrative direction and final written work remain my own. I retain editorial control and accept responsibility for everything published under my name.

Clinical records are examined to determine whether the care provided met an acceptable professional standard

HOW WE STARTED

The Origins of Sheffield MedicoLegal

All medical care is not equal, and it may sometimes fall below an acceptable level of care and patients may come to harm as a result.

I recognize the value that an independent investigation of clinical care in supporting or refuting concerns about the quality of patient care.

I practice as a Consultant in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care.

I have gained experience in research through obtaining a PhD and my subsequent work in research and an editor in a clinical journal. I frequently undertake careful examination of the medical literature, I will sieve through the medical literature relevant to your case and provide a strong and appropriate argument to support your case.

Get in Touch

CONTACT

Anaesthetic Department, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield

david.turnbull2@nhs.net

07809607933

MEDICOLEGAL REPORTS

Civil and Criminal Negligence Reports

If you are unsure of the strength of your case, I can review your case and provide a pro bono two page report with up to two references.
Alternatively I can provide a full draft report.
Terms and conditions are available upon request.

SERVICE

Committed to Quality

I provide comprehensive desktop medical negligence reports that are compliant with the legal regulations.
I provide the reports in a language that is understandable. For technical issues, I provide supporting literature to explain the issues.
The time to complete a first draft will depend upon the length and complexity of your clinical case, but will average 4 weeks for a first full draft.

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Medical Reporting Organisations and Their Evolving Role in Medical Negligence Reports

Medical negligence cases often turn on one thing long before they reach settlement talks or trial: the quality, timing and independence of the expert medical report. For solicitors, the report can shape the whole direction of a claim. It may confirm that breach of duty is arguable, explain causation, identify the extent of injury, or show that the case is unlikely to succeed. For claimants, it can be the first clear explanation of what may have happened. For defendants and in

davidturnbull2

13 hours ago8 min read

Economic play book four: Debt mountain

The alarm rang for six o’clock. Sarah hit the snooze button, then remembered she had to go to London this morning. A meeting with the commons select committee on MFU and future finance. She reluctantly got up, showered and dressed. She’d laid out a pressed blouse and trouser suit the night before. She pressed the double espresso button on the coffee machine and waited. She wasn’t a breakfast kind of person but threw some fruit in her bag and her favourite dark chocolate. She

davidturnbull2

13 hours ago6 min read

Sedation Negligence Legal Analysis: Analyzing Procedural Sedation Negligence Claims

Procedural sedation is a critical component in many medical interventions, designed to ensure patient comfort and cooperation during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. However, when sedation is administered improperly, it can lead to serious complications, sometimes resulting in legal claims. This article provides a detailed legal analysis of sedation negligence, focusing on the key elements that underpin claims related to procedural sedation. The aim is to offer clear, ev

davidturnbull2

1 day ago4 min read

Kinsella v Carter [2026] IEHC 319: The Expert’s Duty Is to the Court

The High Court’s decision in Kinsella v Carter is a reminder that expert witnesses must remain independent and assist the court rather than act as advocates for the party who instructed them.

davidturnbull2

Sep 153 min read

JBX v Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust: Lessons for Medico-Legal Experts

Recent High Court litigation has provided a useful reminder of the standards expected from expert witnesses in catastrophic injury claims. In JBX v Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust [2026] EWHC 2294 (KB), liability had already been admitted. The court was therefore required to determine the appropriate level of damages, including the claimant’s future accommodation and care needs. The accommodation dispute A central issue was whether JBX should receive damages for a bespoke

davidturnbull2

Sep 152 min read

Understanding Remote Anaesthesia Expert Witnesses

In the evolving landscape of medico-legal cases, the role of expert witnesses in anaesthesia has become increasingly vital. Their insights help clarify complex clinical scenarios, ensuring fair and informed legal outcomes. Recently, the concept of remote anaesthesia expert witnesses has gained traction, offering new possibilities for legal professionals and claimants alike. This article explores the nuances of remote expert witness services in anaesthesia, highlighting their

davidturnbull2

Sep 123 min read

Economic playbook 3: Financial Engineering.

MFU had been part of the Nordstrum company now for ten years. In that time the company had built up a portfolio of international infrastructure companies. Some they had sold on and some they had kept. Debt had risen two-fold now from the earlier base of £1.5 billion to almost £4 billion. This had been achieved through leverage based on the fixed customer base and reliable annual income and the now large company with interests in other continents. The CEO Darren Middlefold had

davidturnbull2

Sep 125 min read

Procedural Sedation Negligence Claims: Key Insights

Procedural sedation is a critical component in many medical interventions, designed to ensure patient comfort and cooperation during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. However, when sedation is administered improperly or without adequate monitoring, it can lead to serious complications. Understanding the nuances of procedural sedation negligence is essential for those involved in medical negligence cases. This article provides a detailed examination of the key aspects of s

davidturnbull2

Sep 83 min read

Expertise vs. Reasoning: A New Style of Medical Negligence Reporting

Should an expert witness report be written for the expert, or for the people who actually have to use it? I have been reconsidering the way I structure clinical negligence reports. Doctors are trained to write medically. We describe the history, explain the science, review the literature and eventually arrive at an opinion. But an expert report has a different purpose. The solicitor, barrister and ultimately the judge need to identify the questions in dispute and understand h

davidturnbull2

Sep 22 min read

Anaesthesia Expert Fees UK: Understanding Expert Witness Fees in Anaesthesia

In clinical negligence cases involving anaesthesia, expert witness fees play a crucial role. These fees reflect the specialist knowledge and time required to provide clear, evidence-based analysis. Understanding how these fees are structured and what influences them is essential for legal professionals and individuals navigating medical negligence claims. This article explores the key aspects of anaesthesia expert fees in the UK, offering practical insights to support informe

davidturnbull2

Sep 14 min read

The Economic Playbook 2: Investment and Growth

Investment and Growth The transition from local water authorities to a global infrastructure giant: the story of MFU. Manor Farm Utilities had minor debts relating to infrastructure investments. But the lenders were secure in the knowledge that the debt could be repaid. The government had hoped that private ownership would bring the disciplines of commercial business to the old water authorities. But water was different from most businesses. The company remained a monopoly, o

davidturnbull2

Sep 14 min read

The Economic Playbook 2: Investment and Growth

Manor Farm Utilities had minor debts relating to infrastructure investments. But the lenders were secure in the knowledge that the debt could be repaid. The government had hoped that private ownership would bring the disciplines of commercial business to the old water authorities. But water was different from most businesses. The company remained a monopoly, only its ownership had changed. The change to commercial ownership of the old water authorities, had in fact led to the

davidturnbull2

Aug 314 min read

Lawrence Vs Associated Newspapers

Lessons for Clinical Negligence: Understanding Evidence and Allegations What This Tells Us About Evidence, Serious Allegations, and Knowing When an Argument Has Become Too Weak to Maintain Many disputes begin with something that does not look right. A sequence of events appears unlikely. Information has reached someone who ought not to have possessed it. A patient deteriorates after a departure from normal practice. Records are incomplete, memories conflict, and the people in

davidturnbull2

Aug 267 min read

THE ECONOMICPLAYBOOK 1. INCENTIVES AND MOTIVES

In the autumn of 1989, the government of Astonia launched what it called the most democratic economic reform in the country's history. Full page advertisements appeared in the national newspapers. Television commercials showed ordinary people — a teacher, a retired couple, a young man in a factory — holding share certificates and smiling. The message was simple: the water that had always belonged to everyone was now available for everyone to own. The concept was that public o

davidturnbull2

Aug 265 min read

Hierarchy: One Size Doesn't Fit All

Hierarchy: One Size Doesn't Fit All Here's a thought. You start a company by yourself. You hold regular meetings after work with yourself and appoint yourself CEO, CFO, COO and any other three-letter title you can think of. Decision-making is remarkably straightforward. You propose an idea, discuss it with yourself and, usually, reach a unanimous decision. Life is easy. Except success brings its own problems. You cannot be everywhere and do everything, so you find a partner.

davidturnbull2

Aug 262 min read

How the Style of Clinical Negligence Reports Has Changed Over the Last Decade

The way clinical negligence reports are written has changed significantly over the past ten years. What once was a straightforward scientific account of clinical details has evolved into a more focused legal document. Today, legal teams expect reports that clearly identify where care deviated from accepted standards and explain how those deviations affected the outcome. This shift means that reports now link negligence directly to causation, making the expert’s role less abou

davidturnbull2

Aug 184 min read

Hierarchy: One Size Doesn't Fit All

Here's a thought. You start a company by yourself. You hold regular meetings after work with yourself and appoint yourself CEO, CFO, COO and any other three-letter title you can think of. Decision-making is remarkably straightforward. You propose an idea, discuss it with yourself and, usually, reach a unanimous decision. Life is easy. Except success brings its own problems. You cannot be everywhere and do everything, so you find a partner. You choose someone who has some of t

davidturnbull2

Aug 122 min read

Mid Staffs & Julie Bailey: A Search for the Truth

Introduction How one woman's search for the truth exposed a systemic failure and changed the NHS forever. Origins: Cure the NHS Bella Bailey was admitted to Stafford Hospital in 2007. Distressed by the lack of care, Julie documented the failures. This personal tragedy evolved into 'Cure the NHS,' a group of bereaved families who refused to be silenced. Their work was the catalyst for the public inquiry into the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust. The System Failure Target

davidturnbull2

Aug 121 min read

When Silence Becomes a Dangerous Truth

Organizations often promote values like inclusivity, diversity, and transparency. These ideals are meant to build trust and foster a positive environment for employees and customers alike. Yet, when the reality inside the organization contradicts these promises, a troubling silence often takes hold. Employees and customers who witness or experience failures may feel trapped, unable to speak out without facing serious consequences. This silence, while seemingly protective in t

davidturnbull2

Aug 104 min read

Jenga Building

The tower looks structurally sound, so why not make it taller? Perhaps we could even put a rotating restaurant on the top. There is only one problem. Nobody wants to pay for the additional structure. No matter. We have plenty of material already. We can simply remove a few blocks from lower down the tower and use them at the top. Look at the result. A magnificent new restaurant and it has cost almost nothing. There will, inevitably, be people who worry about the missing block

davidturnbull2

Aug 82 min read