Sir Robert Francis is an eminent British barrister who specialises in medical law, including medical and mental health treatment and capacity issues, clinical negligence and professional discipline. Sir Robert has been a barrister since 1973 and became a King’s Counsel in 1992. He has appeared in a number of healthcare-related inquiries and chaired the Independent Inquiry into the care provided by the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, and subsequently the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry, and the Freedom to Speak Up review.

Throughout his career he has been a tireless advocate for patients, and the findings from his reviews are essential reading for all healthcare professionals.

He is a non-executive director of the CQC, current President of the Patient's Association and past Chair of Healthwatch England.

In this episode we ask him about:

• His career
• Mid Staffordshire Public Inquiry
• Freedom to Speak Up Review 
• How to handle mistakes
• Healthwatch England and the Patient's Association
• Advice for healthcare professionals

Mid Staffs Executive Summary: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/279124/0947.pdf

Freedom to Speak Up Review: http://freedomtospeakup.org.uk/the-report/

Sir Robert Francis KC: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Francis_(barrister)

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