Simpson Millar Solicitors

This Endometriosis Awareness Month, we are highlighting the reality of a condition that affects millions yet remains widely misunderstood. Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other parts of the body, commonly affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic area. This can cause severe pain, heavy periods, fatigue, and fertility issues. According to Endometriosis UK, it affects 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth of reproductive age, which is around 1.5 million people, making it one of the most common gynaecological conditions in the country. Despite its prevalence, it often takes years for individuals to receive a diagnosis. According to Endometriosis UK, on average, it takes 8 years and 10 months from the first GP visit to receive a diagnosis. During this time, many people endure debilitating symptoms that impact their ability to work, maintain relationships, and go about daily life. Endometriosis is frequently misdiagnosed because its symptoms are similar to other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and ovarian cysts, leaving many without the right treatment. Raising awareness is crucial to improving early diagnosis, access to care, and ensuring that those suffering are taken seriously. At Simpson Millar, we understand the distress that comes with being left in pain, not being listened to, or receiving inadequate care. If your endometriosis was misdiagnosed, your symptoms or your condition were dismissed, or your health worsened due to failings in medical treatment, our Medical Negligence Solicitors may be able to help. We offer a free, no-obligation claim assessment to discuss your experience with sensitivity and care, and we have No Win, No Fee options available in suitable cases. 📞 If you have been affected by medical failings in your endometriosis care, call us today on 0808 149 9561 to find out how we can support you. #EndometriosisAwarenessMonth #EndometriosisUK #WomensHealth

📢 Concerns Over Changes to SEND Transport in Sheffield. Sheffield City Council is considering changes to home-to-school transport for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Families of over-16s may be given personal budgets to arrange their own transport, rather than using council-organised services. This proposal comes as the council faces a £7 million overspend on its current system, which provides transport such as minibuses and taxis, with some children supported by personal assistants. BBC News has reported that families are concerned these changes could make transport more expensive and less reliable. Many parents depend on the consistency of council-provided transport, as changes to routine can significantly affect children with SEND. There are also questions about whether individual families will be able to arrange transport at a lower cost than the council, which benefits from bulk-buying power. You can read more in the BBC’s coverage: https://lnkd.in/dmCr56vg The law states that local authorities must provide free transport for SEND children under 16 who cannot walk to school. Whilst this requirement remains unchanged, the potential impact on older students could be significant. A consultation on the proposals has now closed, and the council is expected to present a report in April, outlining any next steps. If your child relies on SEND transport and you are worried about what these changes could mean, it is important to understand your rights and the council’s legal obligations. Our Education Law Solicitors specialise in SEND disputes, education rights and social care. 📞 If you need advice on how these changes could affect your family, contact us for expert guidance on 0808 149 9561. 

Yesterday, sinead cartwright, Michael Goddard, Rebecca Marshall, Katie Green, and Ania Matczuk from Simpson Millar attended the Child Brain Injury Trust's St. Patrick's Themed Quiz at The Castlefield Rooms in Manchester 🍀 The Child Brain Injury Trust is a voluntary organisation that provides emotional and practical support, information, and learning opportunities for families and professionals affected by childhood acquired brain injury across the UK. Their work helps children, young people, and their families access the resources and guidance they need following a brain injury. It was a wonderful evening filled with networking and quiz fun, all in support of raising funds for the charity. Attendees also had the chance to win raffle prizes, generously contributed by each table, further supporting the cause. The delicious food included pulled pork sandwiches with a variety of sides, as well as vegetarian buns and skewer options, ensuring there was something for everyone. A heartfelt thank you to the Child Brain Injury Trust for a fantastic event, and to Kings Chambers and Private Client Solicitors for hosting in support of such an important cause! #CBIT #Fundraising #Networking #StPatricksDay

This week’s #FridayFeedback comes from a client of Georgina Emsley, a Solicitor in our Medical Negligence team. The client expressed their gratitude for Georgina’s dedication and clear communication throughout their two-year legal battle against the NHS. They valued her ability to keep them fully informed and explain complex legal matters in a way that was easy to understand, ensuring they felt supported at every stage of the process. At Simpson Millar, we know how difficult it can be to take legal action after receiving negligent medical care. Our Medical Negligence Solicitors have years of experience helping individuals and families seek justice in cases involving misdiagnosis, surgical errors, delays in treatment, birth injuries, and other failings in medical care. We work to secure compensation that can help with rehabilitation, ongoing medical treatment, lost earnings, and any adjustments needed to improve quality of life. 📞 Call us today on 0808 149 9561 for expert legal advice and a free, no-obligation case assessment. #MedicalNegligence #ClientFeedback #LegalSupport #MedicalClaim

📢 Government Announces GP Contract Changes to Ease Appointment Pressures. The government has introduced a new contract for GPs in England, aiming to reduce appointment pressures and modernise general practice. Many patients have long struggled to secure a GP appointment, often facing the well-known ‘8am scramble’ where they must phone their surgery as soon as phone lines open, only to find that all available slots have been booked within minutes. Under the new agreement, patients will have greater access to online booking throughout the day, allowing phone lines to remain open for those with urgent medical needs. The government hopes this will improve access and help GPs prioritise patients based on their medical requirements. The contract, agreed with the British Medical Association for the first time in four years, includes nearly £889 million in additional funding. This aims to address rising costs such as staff wages, building maintenance and patient care. Ministers say this deal will also reduce administrative burdens, allowing GPs to focus on treating patients rather than meeting ‘box-ticking’ targets. Some of the funding will also support improved digital access, with GP practices required to offer patients the ability to request appointments online throughout the working day. Another key change is the reintroduction of the ‘family doctor’ system, meaning patients can request to see the same GP for continuity of care. Whilst these measures are seen as a positive step, healthcare leaders have warned that they do not fully resolve the challenges facing general practice, such as chronic GP shortages, increasing patient demand and financial pressures on surgeries. Many practices continue to struggle with high workloads and limited resources, meaning improvements may take time to become noticeable. There are also calls for further investment in the long term to ensure that general practice can meet patient needs, recruit and retain more healthcare professionals and reduce reliance on hospital services. Experts suggest that although this contract represents progress, a fully reformed system will be necessary to create lasting improvements in access to care.   #NHS #GPAppointments #HealthcareAccess

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025 at Simpson Millar 🌸 Today is International Women’s Day, a globally recognised day that celebrates the achievements of women and highlights the ongoing work needed to achieve gender equality. This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, calls for faster progress in leadership, workplace policies, education, and women’s health, emphasising the urgency of removing barriers to ensure equal opportunities. At Simpson Millar, we are committed to creating an environment where women can build successful careers whilst balancing personal responsibilities. Kate McCue, Lucy Atherton, Shalini Patel, Nathalie Swanwick, Natalie Coates and Emma Hickey have shared their experiences of career progression, leadership, and the policies that have supported them. Their stories highlight the impact of mentorship, strong female leadership, and flexible working, ensuring career progression is based on ability, not circumstance. These women, alongside many others at Simpson Millar, demonstrate that when workplaces take meaningful action, gender is never a barrier to success. We remain committed to accelerating action for women in law, driving real progress, and fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 👉 Discover their full stories and insights on leadership, career growth, and the policies making a real difference at Simpson Millar. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/diUyvQ8u #IWD2025 #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInLaw #SimpsonMillar 

🚨 Update on Good Character Requirement for British Citizenship. The Home Office has introduced stricter Good Character Requirement rules for people applying to become British citizens. These changes mean that from the 10th of February 2025, anyone who has previously entered the UK illegally will  typically be refused British citizenship, regardless of how long ago they arrived, their circumstances at the time, or the reason for their journey. The guidance does not take into account whether someone was forced to take an irregular route due to a lack of safe and legal options, was escaping persecution, war, or other life-threatening situations, or was unaware that their method of entry was unlawful. Other factors that could now lead to refusal include criminal records, outstanding financial issues such as bankruptcy or unpaid NHS debts, and breaches of immigration laws within the last ten years, such as overstaying, working without permission, or assisting someone else in entering the country unlawfully. The Home Office will also assess cases of deception, including situations where someone has provided false information on applications, concealed past immigration issues, or unlawfully accessed public funds. These changes will have a serious and far-reaching impact on people who have made the UK their home, particularly those who arrived in urgent and vulnerable situations, had no other means of seeking safety, or were not given clear information about their legal status at the time. There is a real concern that individuals who had no choice in how they travelled, or were unaware of the legal consequences of their actions, may now face permanent barriers to securing their future in the UK. If you are affected by these changes, or are worried about how this could impact you or your family, our Public Law and Human Rights team is actively reviewing cases to determine whether refusals can be challenged. We can provide clear, informed, and compassionate advice on your options moving forward. 📞 For guidance, call us on 0808 149 9561. #BritishCitizenship #HomeOfficeUpdate #GoodCharacterRequirement

This week’s #FridayFeedback comes from a client of Lucy Atherton, Team Leader & Senior Associate Solicitor in our Education and Community Care team. The client shared their appreciation for Lucy’s dedication, clear legal guidance, and strategic approach in handling their case. After experiencing distress due to issues with their child’s school, they found Lucy’s expertise invaluable in navigating the legal challenges they faced. They praised her ability to explain complex matters clearly, provide upfront and transparent advice, and ensure continuity of service whilst on parental leave, all of which contributed to a positive outcome. At Simpson Millar, we understand how challenging it can be when you feel your child’s education, wellbeing, or rights are not being properly supported. Our Education Law Solicitors help families challenge unfair school decisions, secure the right educational support, and navigate complex disputes with schools or local authorities. Whether you need help securing an EHCP, appealing a school exclusion, challenging a failure to provide adequate support, or addressing discrimination in education, our experienced team is here to support you. 📞 Call us today on 0808 149 9561 for expert advice and legal support tailored to your family’s needs. #EducationLaw #SEN #SchoolExclusions #EHCP #LegalSupport #ClientFeedback

Yesterday, Michael Goddard, Rebecca Marshall, and Katie Green from Simpson Millar attended the 2025 Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) Networking Event at Veeno - Wine Bars in Leeds. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about SIA’s mission for 2025 and their vision through to 2030, as well as to connect with others committed to supporting people with spinal cord injuries. Every day, 12 people in the UK sustain a spinal cord injury, and more than 4,400 people are affected each year. SIA’s aim is to ensure that everyone living with a spinal cord injury has access to the support they need to tackle barriers and live life on their own terms. A huge thank you to SIA for hosting such an insightful and inspiring event – and for the delicious pizzas, meats, and cheese platters! 🍕🥩🧀 #SIA #Networking #SpinalInjurySupport

🎉 We’re excited to welcome Robyn Mayoh to Simpson Millar as a Solicitor and Team Leader within our Health and Welfare, Court of Protection team. She supports vulnerable clients across England and Wales, ensuring their rights and best interests are protected. Robyn has been specialising in Court of Protection work since 2013 and qualified as a Solicitor in 2017. She has a wealth of experience in mental capacity law, representing protected parties, family members and professional representatives to ensure the rights of vulnerable individuals are protected. Her expertise includes challenges to Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) under Section 21A of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, where legal review is needed to determine if a person’s placement is in their best interests, as well as best interests cases under Section 16, covering key decisions about a person’s care, living arrangements and personal relationships. With a strong background in Court of Protection finance, Child Care law and Mental Health law, Robyn brings a well-rounded approach to her work. As an Accredited Legal Representative under the The Law Society’s Mental Capacity Welfare Accreditation Scheme, she is known for her meticulous and compassionate approach to every case. We’re delighted to have Robyn on board! 👉 Find out more about her experience here: https://lnkd.in/d5YQrSYJ #CourtOfProtection #MentalCapacityLaw #NewStarter