John Holmes

John’s team specialises in providing advice on patient-related issues to a range of healthcare providers. Many problems he deals with relate to mental health, and this can range from helping trusts with issues about detention, across to inquests and related clinical claims.

Often advice is needed quickly, and the strength of John’s team is that they understand client’s needs to know their position straight away when problems come to light. They also have the back up of a national advisory team, and that is key when they are so often dealing with changing legislation. The DOLs procedures and the recent Rabone Supreme Court decision are good examples where the team has been at the forefront of providing seminars and other learning opportunities.

Inquests and related clinical governance issues are also important, and other areas like information governance are also a major part of what John does. In terms of well-known cases John was involved in the Bournewood and Clunis cases, and in a number of group actions such as Ledward and RAGE. Over recent years a lot of time has been spent working on homicide inquiries and other investigations for trusts with a number of these cases being reported extensively in the media.

John also provides clients and others with training, and for a number of years he chaired the Butterworths/Lexis Nexis national healthcare law conference, and have spoken at their Adult Safeguarding Conference on mental health issues.

Main areas of expertise

• clinical governance, inquests and inquiries
• mental health and mental capacity (including the Court of Protection)
• information governance
• consent
• human rights
• healthcare law

The clients he works with

• NHS trusts
• mental health trusts
• third sector health providers
• professional organisations

“John Holmes possesses deep expertise acting for trusts and clinical commissioning groups in complex inquests into patient deaths.” (Chambers and Partners)

“John is completely reassuring, and always calm and collected whatever the pressures. You feel nothing can go too wrong when John is around, and he offers clear and straightforward advice.” (Chambers and Partners)

“John is a sound professional.” (Chambers and Partners)

“Superb for inquests.” (Chambers and Partners)

“John Holmes is a standout lawyer at the firm, attracting praise for his intelligent and logical approach.” (Chambers and Partners)

“John Holmes specialises in all types of clinical negligence claims, with a particular emphasis on those relating to mental health issues. Sources note that he ‘combines as supportive, helpful and reassuring service with wise, sensible advice.” (Chambers and Partners)