Nurses are central to the safe running of any healthcare system. They are responsible for delivering essential care, monitoring patients, giving medication, identifying deterioration and providing day-to-day support that keeps people safe and well. When something goes wrong in nursing care, the effects can be serious. In many cases, these incidents are preventable.

Scott Harding-Lister is a dual-qualified solicitor and registered nurse. He specialises in clinical negligence law and has a particular interest in claims arising from substandard nursing care. His combined legal and clinical background means he is uniquely placed to advise on cases involving nursing errors, omissions and neglect across hospital, community and residential settings.

Scott and his team are regularly instructed in cases involving pressure sores, patient falls, medication mistakes, missed observations, nursing home failings and failures to escalate deteriorating patients.

In recent years, the nursing profession has undergone significant transformation. Increasing numbers of nurses are now working in extended roles; as Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs), and Specialist Nurses in fields such as diabetes, respiratory care and minor injuries. These clinicians are often responsible for making independent decisions that were once the preserve of doctors.

Nurse Practitioners and ANPs typically hold advanced qualifications, sometimes at Master’s level, and are authorised to:

• Take patient histories and perform clinical examinations
• Make independent diagnoses
• Order investigations such as blood tests or imaging
• Prescribe medications, including controlled drugs
• Deliver treatment without direct medical input
• Refer to secondary care where needed

While these roles are a vital part of modern healthcare, they carry significant responsibility. Unfortunately, we are seeing a growing number of negligence claims involving NPs and ANPs, where incorrect diagnoses, delays in referral, prescribing errors or failures to recognise red flag symptoms have led to serious harm.

These cases require careful analysis of the decision-making process, whether protocols were followed, and whether medical review was available or sought. As a qualified nurse, Scott Harding-Lister understands both the clinical scope and limitations of these roles and is well placed to investigate these matters on your behalf.

Nurses form the backbone of the healthcare system. When care is delivered properly, they keep patients safe, supported and well-monitored. But when basic nursing duties are missed, whether due to individual error, short staffing, poor training or lack of supervision, the consequences can be serious.

We understand that many clients are reluctant to criticise nurses. However, patients are entitled to safe care, and nurses, like any other healthcare professional, have a legal duty to act with reasonable skill and care. Where that duty is breached, and someone suffers avoidable harm, the law provides a right to claim compensation.