Frequently Asked Questions
Many of the things that I am asked on a regular basis are included below. If you require further information or have a question not listed below, please contact me.
What do you do?
I am a medical doctor, and I work predominantly within the NHS as a Consultant Liaison Psychiatrist, however I also provide medico-legal services, specifically as an expert witness with a special interest in trauma-related disorders, as well as personal injury and clinical negligence cases. However I also enjoy providing independent opinions for the criminal courts, and related to the Mental Health (Care and Treatment)(Scotland) Act 2003 and Adults With Incapacity Act (Scotland) 2000
Who do you see?
I tend to work with adults of working age, however I also consider myself reasonably skilled (through my experience as a hospital liaison psychiatrist) in working with older adults with cognitive impairment (particularly early onset dementias). I tend to not see adults with intellectual disabilities or people under the age of 16, however am happy to discuss on a case-by-case basis.
Appointments?
Normally, you will need to be referred by your solicitor, however I will consider referral from other agencies. Ordinarily these appointments will take place online (via Skype / FaceTime, MS Teams, or Zoom), however, if it is more convenient or appropriate I can offer face-to-face appointments in my office in the west end of central Edinburgh
Confidentiality?
Ordinarily, doctor-patient confidentiality means that I would only tell other people personal information about you if you give me your permission (within limits - see https://www.gmc-uk.org/ethical-guidance/ethical-guidance-for-doctors/confidentiality/disclosures-for-the-protection-of-patients-and-others)
However, the output of a medico-legal assessment tends to be the provision of a report or oral evidence, which will obviously contain a great deal of personal information! Confidentiality in these circumstances will be explained to you at the start of an appointment and asked to provide consent either verbally or in writing before we proceed.
Can you give me medical or psychiatric advice?
If I have assessed you for the purposes of a legal opinion, I may well have made suggestions regarding treatments for your psychological difficulties. However, if I have not done this, the short answer is no. As much as I would like to help people who ask for this, providing advice (beyond basic signposting) without assessing someone is risky, and is not providing you with a safe service. In these situations I would suggest that you liaise with your GP or CMHT for appropriate and bespoke advice specific to your circumstances.
I feel suicidal or unsafe - what should I do?
Knowing what to do at times of a crisis is of utmost importance to patients and families. I am unable to provide direct assistance for non-NHS patients, however if required you can seek help via your own GP or psychiatrist / CPN / crisis team. In addition, the following contact details may be useful:
- NHS 24 / NHS Direct: 111
- Breathing Space: 0800 838587
- Samaritans: 116116 (or text SHOUT to 85258)
Suicide Prevention UK: 0800 6895652
- MIND - how to get help in a crisis: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/getting-help-in-a-crisis/
Childline: 0800 1111
IN AN EMERGENCY ALWAYS DIAL 999
What don't you do?
To be clear, I only offer appointments for the provision of medico-legal opinions. I do not offer psychological therapy, second opinions for clinical reasons, or diagnostic assessments within my non-NHS role
Can I just drop by and visit you?
No - I use my office in CBC House as a hub for handling my mail, and a ‘virtual office'. I don’t have a permanent base there, and have to book a space specifically for appointments. Therefore, please do not turn up at CBC House unless we have an arranged appointment