Scott Ivill

Inquests & Public Inquiries

Scott is an experienced inquest advocate, and acts for healthcare professionals (allied to his professional disciplinary work) and families as interested parties. Inquests form a central part of his practice and he has a detailed knowledge of the Coroner’s Rules. He will always seek to ensure that his clients’ risk of future prosecution or professional disciplinary proceedings is avoided or minimised.

Cases

Dr M

Instructed in a seven-day inquest following a death on discharge from hospital. Scott represented a doctor who was, at the time of the death, a trainee vascular surgeon and who is now a trainee neurosurgeon. The Coroner thanked Scott for his assistance in what the Coroner described had been “a very difficult inquest.” Narrative conclusion with a neglect rider. PFD referral on multiple issues. Although a number of health care professionals were the subject of trenchant criticism, no such criticism was levied at Scott’s client. This case was reported in the national press. Scott was instructed by Nabarro solicitors.

Dr K

Instructed in an Article 2 inquest, acting on behalf of a Doctor. Following the five-day hearing the jury returned a short from conclusion of suicide. Scott was instructed by BLM solicitors.

CM

Instructed on behalf of a Nurse who had been tasked with the care of the deceased following elective laparoscopic surgery for a hernia at a private hospital. A cause of death was post-operative haemorrhage. Narrative conclusion. No finding of neglect.

RH

Accepted instruction on a pro-bono basis in a high-profile inquest on behalf of the family of one of three soldiers killed whilst travelling in a Mastiff armoured patrol vehicle in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. An improvised explosive device had been placed in a tunnel below the road and triggered using a command wire from a nearby compound. The fatalities were a direct consequence of the blast overmatch. Issues included whether the British Government had provided a vehicle that was fit for purpose and shortcomings in the relaying of intelligence. Regulation 28 Prevention of Future Deaths report sent by the Coroner. The case was widely reported in the media.