Expert Witness Journal Issue 66 April 2026 - Flipbook - Page 49
Ms. Catherene McKinney
Consultant Clinical Audiologist
Dr Ruth Mason
BSc. (Hons) Logopaedics
Consultant Obstetrician
MD, FRCOG
I am a Consultant Clinical Scientist (Audiology) at Mills and Mckinney Practice
Limited. My previous role being as Consultant Clinical Scientist (Audiology) and
Head of Audiology, at Guy’s & St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and Clinical
Scientist (Audiology) and founder, Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Centre, The Portland
Hospital (incorporated into Mills and McKinney Practice Ltd.)
Ruth started preparing medico-legal reports for PMS in 2016
and has prepared over 150 reports on clinical negligence in
Obstetrics, as well as giving evidence in court on 12 occasions.
She currently prepares 40 reports per year, including coroner’s
inquests and fitness to practice cases
Medico Legal work
I have undertaken medico legal work as an expert in the areas of hearing loss,
tinnitus, sensitivity to sound and auditory processing disorders in both adults and
children since 2003.
Areas covered include liability, causation, condition and prognosis and quantum. I
also advise on Auditory rehabilitation including conventional hearing aids, bone
conduction hearing aids and cochlear implants, various auditory training and
counselling strategies. I work closely with case managers to provide management
in these areas, including for cases with traumatic brain injury.
The majority of my work (approximately 95%) is for the claimant in the case. I
undertake approximately 30 cases per year, of which approximately 20 are
Medical Negligence cases. I currently accept referrals from all over the UK,
including for desktop reports based on records only.
l
Consultant Obstetrician at University Hospitals, Sussex
since 2010, becoming Labour Ward Lead.
l
Special expertise in Obstetrics and Feto-Maternal medicine,
including ultrasound scanning of the fetus.
l
Expert witness for HM Coroner in Surrey on a series of
Neonatal deaths, giving evidence in court.
l
Reviewed all the maternity protocols to obtain CNST Level 3
in 2013.The maternity unit was designated "outstanding" by the
CQC in 2016.
l
Her main interests are in complex pregnancies, including twins, and
the management of labour. Antenatal clinic for mums with mental
health illnesses.
Areas of expertise include;
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Diagnostic Hearing Assessments
Medicolegal Audiometry
Paediatric Audiology
Auditory Processing Disorders
Ear Wax Removal
Audiological Management and rehabilitation
Hearing Aids
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Cochlear implants
Bone conduction hearing devices
Hearing Protection
Tinnitus Assessment / Management
Sound Sensitivity Assessment /
Management
Contact Details:
Medico-legal secretary; Alayne Fawkes
Mobile: 07506 173663
Email: pms@pypermedical.co.uk
Website: www.pypermedical.co.uk
Email: catherene@mmhearing.com | Telephone: 020 7390 8057
Website: www.mmhearing.co.uk/expert-medico-legal-assessment
Hareswith Cottage, West Chiltington Road, Storrington, West Sussex, RH20 4BP
Dr Ian Starke
Stroke Medicine and Geriatric Medicine
MD, MSc, FRCP, AFFLM
Dr Starke practiced as a Consultant Physician in
Stroke Medicine, Geriatric Medicine and General
Medicine at University Hospital Lewisham and
Guy’s King’s and St Thomas’ School of Medicine
from 1988
He provides expert reports for clinical negligence
cases in stroke medicine and geriatric medicine.
He provides expert clinical assessments as required
both within and outside London, including virtual
assessments where appropriate.
Telephone: 07967 032 541 | Email: ianstarke@nhs.net
11 Queen's Court, Earl's Court Square, London, SW5 9DA
EXPERT WITNESS JOURNAL
47
APRIL 2026
