Ann goes public on inquiries (From Messenger Newspapers)

Ann goes public on inquiries

11:10am Tuesday 4th November 2008 in Search

A SOLICITOR from Hale has used her 30 years experience in health-related litigation to examine the role public inquiries play and whether lessons are learned after major tragedies.

Ann Alexander has researched, written and presented a documentary for BBC Radio 4 about public inquiries.

They cost millions of pounds and make hundreds of recommendations for change but Ann, a former senior partner of law firm Alexander Harris in Altrincham, has questioned whether they are effective.

In the half hour programme for the Analysis series, Ann looks at how inquiries work from the inside and considers where improvements should be made to improve the system.

Ann, who runs a media and communications consultancy with broadcaster Alistair Macdonald, has been personally involved in a number of inquiries and represented more than 200 families directly affected by the Shipman case after overturning the Secretary of State for Health’s decision to hold the Shipman inquiry in private.

Featured in Ann’s line-up is Frank Dobson MP, former Secretary of State for Health.

The programme will explore the emotional side of dealing with major human tragedies and the search for truth.

Ann said: “My personal experience of being involved in a number of major Inquiries led me to bring this contentious subject of public inquiries to both the media and wider public’s attention.

“Having secured interviews with respected senior professionals on high profile cases as well as people directly affected by them, I have tapped into a subject which is rarely exposed to public debate.

“It was a real challenge for me to produce and front my own documentary – the whole process has been enlightening and incredibly thought-provoking.”

The programme was aired last Thursday.