AvMA provides free independent advice and support to people affected by medical accidents (lapses in patient safety) via its specialist helpline, written casework and inquest support services. It works in partnership with health professionals, the NHS, government departments, lawyers and, most importantly, patients to improve patient safety and justice. AvMA also has an accredited Specialist Clinical Negligence Panel, several of whom work at Fieldfisher.
A contingent from Fieldfisher, London and Manchester were among more than 400 delegates put through their paces in advanced medical and legal lectures and break-out sessions, interspersed with networking lunches, drinks and dinners.
While temperatures rose and outside on the beach people swathed themselves in sun cream, we submitted ourselves to the rigours of biliary and cardiothoracic surgery, ophthalmology, histopathology, intensive care, urological cancers and urogynaecology.
We immersed ourselves in the devastating effects of the Paterson litigation, the harrowing cases involving the withdrawal of treatment from seriously sick children and the continuing debate around vaginal mesh implants.
Looking forward and focusing on positive change to patient care, we enjoyed Professor Tim Draycott's presentation on PROMPT (Practical Obstetric Multi-Professional Training) to reduce preventable harm in maternity units and Professor Nanchalal's research and recommendations in the fields of plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Discovering a small window between lectures and dinner, providing some serious Fieldfisher team-building, we headed skywards (160 metres) on the BA i360, offering spectacular coastal views and demanding a celebratory glass of fizz to steady the vertigo.
Reminded of the importance of the work that AvMA does to support victims and campaign for improved safety, we left the conference educated, motivated and with an ongoing passion to obtain the best possible outcome for all our clients.