The Court of Appeal decision in Townsend v Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust has raised important questions about clinical decision-making and best interests under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

The case concerned Mr Barnor, a 68-year-old man with irreversible brain damage who required dialysis. The court ruled that decisions about the care and treatment of adults who lack capacity must be made in their best interests, with “no carve out” for clinical decisions. This has prompted debate about the distinction between clinical judgement and best interests decision-making.

With the Supreme Court hearing scheduled for January 2027, join our panel of legal and clinical experts to explore the judgment and its implications for everyday practice.

Why attend?

The webinar will explore the legal and clinical questions arising from the judgment, including how healthcare professionals should approach best interests decisions and disagreements about treatment while awaiting the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Speakers

• Prof Emma Cave, Professor of Healthcare Law, Durham University
• Dr Alex Cisneros, Barrister, 39 Essex Chambers and Visiting Lecturer, King’s College London
• Dr Jan Dudley, Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children
• Dr Ben Thomas, Consultant Nephrologist, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board