Ranald Davidson

Call 1996

Ranald Davidson | Call 1996

Back to Our People

Overview

Ranald has considerable experience advising and representing doctors and dentists before the different panels and committees of the General Medical Council and General Dental Council. He has handled the full gamut of cases, including those concerning assisted suicide, dishonesty and sexual impropriety and drug and alcohol addiction.

Professional Discipline & Regulatory

Ranald successfully defends consultant psychiatrist in 6 week GMC case linked to abuse of patients at Winterbourne View Hospital (see BBC Panorama)

“He sees ways through cases that others don’t.”
The Legal 500

EXPERTISE & EXPERIENCE

Ranald has represented doctors appearing before all the different panels and committees of the General Medical Council; the Interim Orders Panel, Fitness to Practise Panel, Registration Appeals Panel and the Investigation Committee. These hearings have considered cases of misconduct, performance and health on a wide range of issues.

Ranald has also assisted dentists called before the General Dental Council’s Interim Orders Committee and Professional Conduct Committee. These cases have considered matters of dishonesty, supervised neglect of patient care and a failure to diagnose and treat advanced periodontal disease.

Ranald has advised on, and provided representation at, disciplinary hearings before the General Optical Council.

Ranald has represented both doctors and dentists facing local disciplinary proceedings brought by NHS England or Hospital Trusts in England and Wales. He has advised on, and provided representation at, a number of successful appeals to the First – tier Tribunal (Family Health Lists) (formerly the Family Health Services Appeal Unit).

CASES AND WORK OF NOTE

  • GMC v Dr. S (November 2022) representation of general practitioner facing allegations on inappropriate/ sexually motivated touching of male patient. All charges against doctor found not proved
  • GMC v Dr. S (June 2022) – representation of general practitioner involved in over-prescription of analgesic medication resulting in patient death and dishonest communication with colleague. Doctor suspended 2 months
  • GMC v Dr. S (November 2021/ February 2022) – representation of general practitioner involved in falsification of study and alteration of patient records. Doctor suspended 12 months
  • GMC v Mr. Y (February 2022) – representation of consultant obstetrician accused of failing to investigate and diagnose patient’s ovarian tumour. Finding of no impairment of fitness to practise
  • Byrne v General Medical Council [2021] EWHC 2237 (Admin) – appeal against findings of fact made against consultant psychiatrist erased from medical register following sexual misconduct with vulnerable patients
  • GMC v Dr. N (September 2021) – representation of consultant gastroenterologist accused of fraud for overlapping private practice and NHS work. Finding of no misconduct and no impairment of fitness to practise
  • GMC v Dr. El N (March 2020/March 2021/ June 2021) – representation of consultant neurologist alleged to have mismanaged stroke patient causing permanent neurological injury. Finding of no impairment of fitness to practise

RECOMMENDATIONS

Ranald is recommended as a leading junior for professional discipline and regulatory law by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners.

Recent editorial is as follows:

“Ranald is very clear and persuasive with excellent drafting. He impressively assimilated and presented a complex case.”
Chambers & Partners 2024

“One of the leading junior counsel in the medico-legal and regulatory fields.”
Chambers & Partners 2024

“Ranald is hardworking, talented on his feet, and has excellent client-management skills.”
The Legal 500 2024

“His attention to medical detail is excellent.”
Chambers & Partners 2023

‘Ranald has an excellent manner which is appreciated both by clients and tribunals. He is clear in his advice, is approachable, and is thorough in his paperwork. On his feet, he is calm and convincing.‘
The Legal 500

‘Ranald is exceptionally bright and extremely personable. He is always a calming presence, and has a great ability to cut through to the key issues. I can always count on him to give sensible and intelligent advice.’
The Legal 500 2022

“Very smooth, well prepared and an excellent advocate with really good judgement.”
Chambers & Partners 2022

“He’s brilliant. Very meticulous, spots what matters in a case and focuses on that, without wasting time on extraneous issues”.
Chambers & Partners 2022

“A smooth advocate.”
Chambers & Partners 2021

“A consistently safe pair of hands, who is immediately able to grasp the issues at hand and articulate them to a client.”
Chambers & Partners 2021

“He is very good on his feet.”
Chambers & Partners 2021

“Businesslike and efficient, while remaining personable for his clients. He has an advocacy style which is well appreciated by clients and tribunals within the health regulatory field. His judgement is extremely sound and I would have no hesitation in recommending him.”
Chambers & Partners 2020

“Amazing advocacy. He pitches at the right level. Clients find him very reassuring, calm and measured.”
Chambers & Partners 2019

‘Very methodical and responsive: a brilliant barrister to work with.’
The Legal 500

“I would highlight him for his responsiveness. He just picks things up and runs with them.” “Extremely good with sensitive clients.”
Chambers & Partners 2018

“He sees ways through cases that others don’t.”
The Legal 500 2016

“Exudes professionalism and calmness throughout.”
The Legal 500 2015

PUBLICATIONS

Ranald is Consultant Editor (formerly a Contributing Editor) of the Medical Law Reports.

MEMBERSHIPS

Ranald is a member of the Association of Disciplinary and Regulatory Lawyers.