Who? Elline Demetriou, solicitor, Osbornes Law.
Why is she in the news? Represented the family of Libby Instone, a 20-year-old law student who died in 2023 following multiple attendances to North Tees Hospital. At an inquest this month, the senior coroner found that neglect contributed to Instone’s death.
Thoughts on the case: ‘As medical negligence lawyers, we see some terrible cases, but Libby’s was particularly tragic. Her death was entirely avoidable, but she wasn’t taken seriously and was treated as a time-waster. I struggle to comprehend how doctors failed to examine her abdomen on multiple occasions, when she was in so much pain. Even a layperson would have thought to perform such an examination. They assumed she had gastroenteritis and there were multiple chances to reconsider this, but they didn’t, despite it being evident her symptoms were not compatible with that diagnosis. Nobody has been able to tell us why Libby was ultimately discharged and her family have to somehow come to terms with the fact that they will never have an answer for that.
‘I hope that Libby’s story has caused clinicians to reflect on their practices. I am sure it will have empowered patients who are unhappy with their care and treatment to voice their concerns.’
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust said it accepted the findings of the inquest and apologised to Libby’s family. ‘A thorough review of [this case] has identified shortcomings in the care provided to Libby and her family. We have implemented measures to strengthen processes to reduce the risk of similar incidents,’ a spokesperson added.
Dealing with the media: ‘The media were very respectful and keen to help publicise Libby’s case as per her family’s wishes. This was the first television interview I have done and I was very conscious of my responsibility to do right by Libby’s family.’
Why become a lawyer? ‘My dad. He has this unwavering sense of justice, which he instilled in me. He’s an obstetrician and gynaecologist, so I also grew up with medicine as part of daily life. That’s why I love what I do – it combines these two worlds.’
Career high: ‘Achieving positive outcomes for my clients. On a personal note, being listed in Chambers and Legal 500 at such an early stage in my career.’
Career low: ‘It is very difficult to have a conversation with clients when we receive medical reports that address their prognosis and life expectancy, especially in cases where they might not have received this information from treating clinicians. We can end up being the bearer of bad news. It is not something lawyers are generally trained for.’
