Annual global healthcare virtual conference programme 2025

Global maternity conference – improving prevention and response to harm

This is a hybrid event that will be hosted both in-person and virtually.

Kennedys' global healthcare team are delighted to be hosting their global maternity conference, taking place at our London office and online on Wednesday 19 March 2025.

Join us for this special event as we welcome indemnifiers and senior clinicians from Australia, England, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan and Sweden, who will share their perspectives on best practice and innovation in relation to improving response to harm within maternity care.

We will be joined by the following distinguished global speakers:

This conference will be chaired by Kennedys' Partner and Global Head of Healthcare, Christopher Malla.

Agenda

08:30

Welcome from Chair, Christopher Malla, Global Head of Healthcare, Kennedys

08:35

The global maternity indemnity challenge

Speaker: Christopher Malla, Global Head of Healthcare, Kennedys

An international perspective  - the problem we are trying to solve

08:50

Indemnifiers perspective from Australia

Speaker: Angela Kelly, Chief Insurance Officer, Victoria Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA)

Maternity Incentive Scheme impact, Birth trauma, nervous shock, deep dive of maternity claims, what is driving increase in claims

09:10

The Hong Kong perspective

Speaker: Professor Tak Yeung Leung, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Assistant Dean, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Sharing the experience and learning from maternity within the Hong Kong system.

09:30

The Japan perspective

Speakers: Cindy Tucker, Head of Healthcare (Australia), Kennedys - In conversation with: Professor Shin Ushiro, Board Member of the Japan Council for Quality Health Care (JQ) and Deputy Director of Kyushu University Hospital

Sharing insights from the Japanese maternity system.

09:50

Refreshment break

10:10

Indemnifiers perspective from England

Speakers: Helen Vernon, Chief Executive, NHS Resolution and Professor Tim Draycott, Senior Obstetric Adviser NHS Resolution

They will discuss the experience of NHSR - challenges and opportunities (focus on legal perspective), claims profile, EN Scheme, pathfinder for quantum. As well as, a clinical perspective and insights in the prevention agenda.

11:10

Global Maternity Indemnity Panel discussion with morning speakers

Chair: Christopher Malla, Global Head of Healthcare, Kennedys 

12:00

Break for lunch

13:00

Introduction to afternoon sessions

Speaker: Joanne O’Sullivan, Head of Healthcare (Ireland), Kennedys

13:05

Indemnifiers perspective from Ireland

Speaker: Dr Cathal O’Keefe, Deputy Director – Head of Clinical Risk, State Claims Agency, Ireland

The work of the National Neonatal Encephalopathy Action Group (NNEAG) and findings from the Interdepartmental Working Group on the rising cost of maternity claims.

13:25

The German perspective

Speaker: Professor von Kaisenberg - Consultant Obstetrician, Head of PROMPT Germany

A 2 ½-year interim analysis of rare obstetric complications following the introduction of the Practical Obstetric Multiprofessional Training Programme (PROMPT) at Hannover Medical School.

13:45

The Swedish perspective

Part 1 speaker: Charlotte Elvander, Midwife, Vice-President, Swedish Association of Midwives

The Pregnancy Register and factors contributing to good maternity outcomes in Sweden.

Part 2 speakers: Joanne O’Sullivan, Head of Healthcare (Ireland), Kennedys - In conversation with: Pelle Gustafson, Chefläkare, Chief Medical Officer, Löf

Sharing perspective from the Swedish Maternity System.

14:25

Global Maternity Indemnity Panel discussion with afternoon speakers and Simon Hammond

Chair: Simon Hammond, Executive Director of Claims, NHS Resolution

15:15

Refreshment break

15:30

Parents and staff perspective

Part 1 speaker: Sarah Land from PEEPs (Charity for Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy).

Sharing family perspectives from experiences with children with HIE.

Part 2 speakers: Professor Jane O’ Hara, Director of Research, This Institute

Sharing research relating to restorative justice for families and staff in relation to severe harm events in maternity.

Dr Denise Chaffer, former Director of Safety & Learning, NHS Resolution

Effective Leadership and embedding a Just, Learning and Restorative Culture for all.

Q&A session – chaired by Professor Tim Draycott, Senior Obstetric Adviser NHS Resolution

16:50

Chairs closing remarks

Chair: Christopher Malla, Global Head of Healthcare, Kennedys

Summary, what next, future events.

Event location

London

Kennedys, 20 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 3BY

London

20 Fenchurch St London EC3M 3BY United Kingdom

+44 20 7667 9667