Vivienne Tanchel

Inquests & Public Inquiries

Vivienne has considerable experience in representing doctors and nurses at inquests both where the death has occurred in custody as well as where death has occurred in circumstances where there are assertions of neglect and failures of care in the community.

Recent cases:

Inquest touching upon the deaths of SL and FL

SL and FL were siblings who were taken to see the GP and the Nurse Practitioner at their local surgery immediately before becoming seriously unwell. Both children tragically died in hospital shortly thereafter. Tests revealed they had contracted a very rare bacterial infection which is a notifiable disease. Vivienne represented the interests of the GP and the Nurse Practitioner at the Article 2 jury inquest into their deaths.

Inquest touching upon the death of JG

JG was an elderly gentleman who died whilst undergoing a minor medical procedure. Vivienne represented a Consultant Anaesthetist at an inquest following a police investigation into whether his conduct amounted to gross negligence manslaughter. The case required significant legal argument on the scope of the inquest as well as whether it should be heard in front of a jury

Inquest touching upon the death of PC

PC was a nurse working in an unsecure mental health unit who died as a consequence of an assault by a patient. Vivienne represented the interests of the Consultant Psychiatrist directly responsible for the patient’s care at an Article 2 jury inquest. The jury determined no neglect and no criticism was made of the care provided.

Inquest touching upon the death of EC

EC was a toddler taken to accident and emergency by her parents when she became unwell who tragically died from sepsis. Vivienne represented a junior hospital doctor at a 1-week inquest into her death. The case received significant local media coverage

Inquest touching upon the death of CA: CA was a young man who was in prison for the first time serving a short sentence when he took his own life. Vivienne was instructed to represent the interests of the prison GP at 4 week Article 2 jury inquest. The jury determined no neglect.

Inquest touching upon the death of IA

IA was an elderly resident of a care home who died as a result of severe infections from pressure sores. Vivienne represented the interests of the GP responsible for her care.