Blog
Changes to the ICAS Code of Ethics – what do the changes mean for ICAS firms?
Zoe Beels
30 June 2026
The shocking state of maternity care in England – will somebody finally listen?
Arriving hot on the heels of Donna Ockenden's report highlighting the scale of problems at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, the final report from the national investigation into maternity and neonatal care led by Baroness Amos is bleak indeed. The review investigated 12 NHS Trusts and considered the experiences of thousands of women, their families, and hospital staff. The findings are stark, with Baroness Amos stating "we cannot continue like this" …"there is absolutely no justification for the tragic cases of unsafe care and avoidable harm we continue to see in England." Having acted for children and mothers injured as a result of poor care for over 30 years, I find the lack of progress shocking. I would not have believed at the start of my career that maternity services would be in the state that they are now.
2 September 2025
HSSIB contributes to the national investigation into maternity and neonatal services – but will change ever be implemented?
The Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) has shared insights into safety concerns raised by women and families and other stakeholders about maternity and neonatal care within NHS England, highlighting once again the need for meaningful change.
9 July 2025
Outdated, Failing and in Short Supply: NHS Equipment Crisis Putting Patients at Risk
According to a recent article in The Guardian NHS England has confirmed that since 2022, equipment failures within the NHS have been responsible for:
- 87 patient deaths
- 68 patients severely harmed who suffered permanent damage or reduced life expectancy
- 522 patients moderately harmed whose independence was subsequently limited for up to 6 months
2 July 2025
When metal hip replacements go wrong
Hip replacement surgery is very common, restoring mobility and quality of life to thousands every year in the UK. It is recognised to be the most cost effective for the NHS in returning patients to productive lives. The components wearing surfaces may be metal, ceramic or plastic, and will often last over 20 to 25 years, or even longer for some people.
2 April 2024
No-fault NHS compensation system: Equality but not equity
The recent Times Health Commission Report with ‘10 recommendations to save the NHS’ contains many sensible proposals, but the idea of introducing a no-blame compensation scheme for medical errors is misguided and would disbenefit as many as it helps.