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Bolam v Friern Hospital Management Committee 1957 - Negligence case

Mr Bolam was a psychiatric patient in a mental hospital, who was given electro-convulsive therapy as part of his treatment. During the therapy, Mr Bolam suffered a spasm as a consequence of the electric shock he received to his brain, causing him to fall off the treatment couch and, as a result of this, he suffered fractures to his hip.

His lawyers argued that the doctor had been negligent:

i) in not giving him relaxant drugs;

ii) as drugs were not given, in failing to provide adequate physical restraints;

iii) in not warning him of the risks involved in the treatment.

Court decision