Niamh Flynn
Legal Programme Developer and Trainer
Witness Skills for Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare professionals and nurses in particular, often face legal situations where their testimony is crucial. Being well-prepared can significantly impact case outcomes. Are you confident to give evidence in a legal forum if required to do so?
395
Online
9:30am - 4:30pm
1 day
About this course
Giving evidence can be a daunting, lonely and intimidating experience for a witness. A poor performance in the witness box can undermine a witness’ confidence, affect the credibility of their evidence and be detrimental to their case. This one day course is relevant for all health and social care professionals who may give evidence in any legal fora including:
- Inquests,
- Court cases,
- Fitness to practise hearings,
- Employment cases.
Why choose this course
By attending this course you will:
Understand legal procedures
Learn how to prepare & present effectively
Know how to handle cross-examination with confidence
Course syllabus
Key learning points
- Understand how the adversarial / inquisitorial processes work,
- Consider the procedures, order of events and roles of those involved,
- How to prepare for giving evidence,
- Take the Oath/Affirmation with confidence,
- Understand how to make appropriate use of supporting evidence, records and reports,
- Techniques lawyers use in cross-examination and how to handle them,
- How to give clear, honest and objective testimony.
Who should attend?
The Witness Skills for Healthcare course is beneficial for a wide range of healthcare and social care professionals who may be called to give evidence in legal proceedings. This includes:
- Nurses & midwives (including clinical nurse specialists, nurse managers, and public health nurses),
- Doctors (GPs, consultants, and junior doctors),
- Paramedics & emergency medical technicians,
- Allied health professionals (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, radiographers, dietitians),
- Social workers & social care workers,
- Healthcare assistants & support staff,
- Mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors),
- Nursing home & residential care staff,
- Hospital administrators & risk managers,
- Medical and clinical directors.
Any healthcare professional involved in patient care, documentation, or decision-making may be required to give evidence. This course ensures they do so with confidence and professionalism.
Meet the trainer
Practical training with small groups to ensure quality.
Our training sessions are not lectures—they're practical, interactive experiences. The small group format allows every attendee to ask questions, take part in discussions involving practical exercises and role-plays.
This method of training allows attendees to put the skills learned into practice immediately. Course participants benefit from the focused attention and guidance of an independent expert.
Register to attend:
# SELECTED
| Course Dates | Location | Price | Spaces Left | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30/09/26 i 30/09/2026 09:30 - 17:00 | Zoom Online | €395.00 | 7 |
Witness skills for inquests and fitness to practise hearings
FAQs
This training is designed for all healthcare professionals who may be called to provide reports or testimony in legal proceedings, including doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, social workers, and healthcare administrators.
Yes, this course is specifically designed for healthcare professionals working under Irish law. We cover Irish courts, procedures, regulations (including GDPR, Patient Safety Act 2023, and Medical Council guidelines), and case law.
You’ll receive 30 CPD credits accredited by the CPD Group (20 for Report Writing, 10 for Courtroom Skills).
In the afternoon of Day 2, selected delegates experience being cross-examined by a qualified lawyer on a fictional healthcare case study. This takes place in a safe, supportive environment with constructive feedback. It’s optional but highly recommended.
No prior legal or courtroom experience is required. This course is designed for healthcare professionals at all career stages, whether you’re facing your first legal proceedings or want to improve your existing skills.
Yes, the course content is fully aligned with the Medical Council’s 9th Edition Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics (effective January 2024), particularly regarding expert witness duties and record keeping.
This training will help you understand the process and prepare effectively. However, for specific advice on your case, you should consult your legal representative or indemnifier.
Yes, organisations may submit sample reports from fictional or completed cases in advance. Our trainers will review these and provide feedback during the training day.
