RCGP Expert Witness Group
The RCGP General Practitioner Expert Witness group aims to bring together GPs and College members who are trained and acting as expert witnesses in general practice.
Our Aim
- Identify those trained and acting as expert witnesses in general practice
- Act as a source of advice to the College to respond to medico-legal approaches that the College receives
- Provide a forum for learning within the legal constraints of the communication that is allowed — being an expert witness is an extremely lonely and exposed role
- Liaise with external stakeholders
Group Outputs
- Peer Support & Knowledge Sharing – Establish a network for colleagues in similar roles to share experiences, challenges, and best practices, reducing isolation in this work
- Guidance on Medicolegal Matters – Provide well-informed, consistent responses to officers seeking advice on medicolegal issues
- Legal Awareness & Learning – Facilitate discussions and learning opportunities within legal constraints to ensure compliance and informed decision-making
- Collaboration with key stakeholders
RCGP Medical Examiner Group
The general practitioner medical examiner group aims to bring together College members who are trained and acting as medical examiners.
Our Aim
- Identify those trained and acting as medical examiners
- Act as a source of advice to the College to respond to issues that arise or approaches that the College receives concerning medical examiners and their work
- Help to facilitate discussions and learning opportunities
- Collaborate with key stakeholders such as the lead College (the Royal College of Pathologists), the replacement for NHS England, and Coroners
Group Outputs
- Peer support and knowledge sharing – Establish a network for colleagues working as medical examiners to share experiences, challenges, and best practices
- Contribute to College policy – Provide well-informed, consistent responses to those seeking advice on matters concerning medical examiners
Current Work
As a newly established groups, we are in the process of developing a comprehensive work plan. We invite members to contribute their ideas and expertise to shape the group's initiatives. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact us (see below).
Group members
Dr Frances Cranfield
Dr Frances Cranfield has carried out work as an expert witness for over 30 years, giving evidence in civil, criminal and coroners' courts and in disciplinary matters, including the first trial of gross negligent manslaughter concerning a GP, the Shipman Inquiry and major criminal trials. She is a founder member of the Expert Witness Institute.
She is senior partner in her general practice in Hertfordshire. She sits on Council of the Royal College of General Practitioners and is the RCGP national representative for expert witnesses and for medical examiners. She is an assistant coroner for Hertfordshire and a medical examiner for Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation.
Thank you for your feedback. Your response will help improve this page.