Natalie Matthews

Biography

Natalie specialises in representing elderly and vulnerable clients under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, on the instruction of the Official Solicitor and Independent Mental Capacity Act Advocates. She has also experience in representing family members. Natalie provides advice in respect of deprivation of liberty in hospital and care home settings, as well as dealing with complex disputes about a person’s capacity to make various decisions and best interests disputes.

Prior to joining Ashfords, Natalie worked as solicitor for the NHS, where she represented Health Boards across Wales. During this role, she dealt with a range of complex Court of Protection matters, including medical treatment disputes and one of the first COVID-19 vaccine disputes before a High Court judge. As part of this role, Natalie regularly delivered training to clinicians.

Natalie is currently studying a Masters degree in Legal Aspects of Medical Practice at Cardiff University, and part of this course has focused on consent & capacity.

Relevant experience

Private client: Acting for P, a lady with a diagnosis of Huntington’s disease on the instruction of the Official Solicitor. The proceedings concerning P’s discharge from an unsuitable care home, in circumstances where restraint and sedation were anticipated for the move.
Private client: Acting for P, a young man with a diagnosis of autism, in a delayed discharge from hospital. The case involved a complex dispute as to whether he was detainable under the Mental Health Act and advice was required in respect of anticipatory declarations.
Private client: Acting for P, a young lady with a diagnosis of autism. The case concerned her capacity to make decisions about litigation, residence and care. Judicial guidance was provided around the discharge of a transparency order.
Private client: Acting for the husband of P in Court of Protection proceedings concerning where she should live and receive care.
Private client: acting for a Welsh Health Board in one of the first COVID-19 vaccine disputes in the High Court.