The UK’s only medical expert witness chambers run by neurological rehabilitation professionals has appointed a new chair.
Established in 2015 by neurological rehabilitation experts Dr Edmund Bonikowski and Professor Mike Barnes, NRC Medical Experts specialises in serious neurological injuries such as traumatic brain and spinal cord injury. The organisation’s expert witnesses provide the courts with testimony and reports for claimant and defendant solicitors in very serious injury cases.
Heather Lawrence OBE has now joined the medico-legal group’s board of directors to help its ongoing progress. She brings over 40 years of experience in healthcare to the organisation, including 12 years as CEO of Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, Non-Executive Director at Monitor (now NHS Improvement) and more recently as Non-Executive Chairman of the London Ambulance Service.
Heather was also a Commissioner for the Prime Minister’s Commission for the Future of Nursing and Midwifery. A Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Personnel Management, Heather was awarded an OBE in the 2010 New Year Honours List.
“I’m so pleased to be joining an organisation dedicated to developing the understanding of and provision for neurological rehabilitation in the UK within the medico-legal sector,” says Heather.
“The life-changing impact of neurological injuries requires expert insight for the courts and legal teams.
“I look forward to supporting the Executive Team to progress their ambitious growth plans.”
“I am delighted that Heather has agreed to be the chair of NRC Medical Experts. Heather brings extensive leadership and managerial experience, and her insight will be invaluable,” says Dr Bonikowski.
“I know that Heather will have an enormous impact on the structure and accountability of our executive team, providing a key organisational overview as we continue to grow and develop. I look forward to working with her and learning from her as we build upon the success of the last six years.”
Chair of clinical governance, Professor Barnes, adds: “We are so pleased to welcome Heather to NRC Medical Experts. Heather brings clinical rigour, invaluable skills and knowledge developed over a long career working across health sector organisations, as well as a passion for improving outcomes for individuals who have experienced serious injury.”
Neurological injuries to the brain and spine significantly impact individuals and families, and many are supported to seek life-changing compensation. NRC Medical Experts’ reports provide the courts with an impartial view of an individual’s rehabilitation potential, functional prognosis and the impact on their day-to-day abilities, family life and ability to work.
Over the coming year, the organisation will expand its services to legal teams, medical experts, and individuals affected by neurological injuries across the UK.
