Instruction

Dr Birrell accepts instructions from solicitors and other professional organisations requiring independent psychiatric opinions. He does not accept self-referrals.

Making an Enquiry

Initial enquiries and letters of instruction can be sent to:

info@drstevenandrewbirrell.scot

Telephone: 0131 358 3141

Please provide sufficient information to establish the nature and scope of the proposed instruction, including:

A brief summary of the case and relevant background.
The specific psychiatric questions requiring an opinion.
An indication of the volume of medical records and other documentation.
Any relevant court deadlines or time limits.
Whether a remote or face-to-face assessment is anticipated.

A quotation can be provided before formal instruction, including where this is required for legal aid or comparison of expert fees.

Fees

The standard hourly rate for new instructions received from 1 April 2026 is £300 plus VAT, charged in 15 minute increments.

For regular instructing clients, I offer a simplified 'tiered' pricing system.

Fees depend on the scope of instruction, volume of records, assessment requirements and complexity of the issues.

A written quotation and anticipated timescale will be provided following review of the proposed instruction.

Additional work, court attendance, travel, cancellations and payment arrangements are governed by the Terms & Conditions.

Assessments

Assessments are ordinarily undertaken by secure videoconferencing, although face-to-face appointments can be arranged where clinically appropriate or otherwise necessary.

In-person assessments may be arranged in Edinburgh or at another agreed location.

Medical Records and Supporting Documents

Relevant medical records, previous expert reports and other supporting documentation should ordinarily be provided before an assessment is arranged.

Electronic documents are preferred. Please contact Dr Birrell to agree an appropriate secure method of transferring confidential material.

Reports and Timescales

Completed reports are ordinarily provided within four weeks of assessment, subject to the availability of all relevant records and any other necessary information.

Urgent instructions and cases involving court deadlines can be discussed in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you accept self-referrals?

No. Instructions are ordinarily accepted from solicitors and other professional organisations.

Are assessments available remotely?

Yes. Remote assessments are ordinarily offered, with face-to-face appointments available where appropriate.

Can you provide a quotation before formal instruction?

Yes. Written quotations can be provided on the basis of sufficient preliminary information.

Can I just turn up at CBC House on the off chance you are available?

No - please do not attend CBC House unless we have an appointment. This is my 'virtual address' and I am only there for scheduled appointments.

Do you provide private psychiatric treatment?

No. Dr Birrell's independent practice is restricted to medico-legal assessments and expert opinions.

Terms and Conditions

All instructions are subject to the applicable Terms & Conditions, which set out the arrangements for fees, payment, cancellation, court attendance and other matters.

Read Terms & Conditions

Enquiries

For an initial discussion about a proposed instruction, please contact: