Early Notification Scheme Report
What is an ENS Report?
Early Notification Scheme (ENS) reports provide an initial, independent expert opinion on the standard of care delivered during labour and delivery, and whether any acts or omissions may have contributed to the outcome.
ENS reports are used within the ENS process to support early resolution of cases, reduce delays, and provide families with clarity at the earliest opportunity.
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ENS reports are particularly important in cases involving serious birth injuries. Early expert input helps guide next steps, supports early resolution, and ensures important information is gathered while events are still recent.​​
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ENS reports are screening-style reports rather than full CPR Part 35 compliant reports. Their primary purpose is to inform the ENS summit process, where multiple experts and counsel discuss the evidence together before formal reports are commissioned.
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As part of the ENS, expert reports are considered collectively at a summit meeting chaired by experienced counsel. At this meeting, experts share their initial opinions with NHS Resolution, the Trust, and other appointed specialists.
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ENS reports can be pivotal in supporting early admissions of liability where appropriate, reducing the emotional and financial burden on all parties.​
What's Included in the Report?
Our ENS reports are charged on a fixed fee and include:
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Review of all available medical records, investigation reports, and relevant documentation such as obstetric notes, CTG traces, neonatal assessments, and relevant investigation reports
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Analysis of the clinical care provided by midwifery and medical staff against accepted professional standards and guidelines
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Consideration of issues of escalation and intervention e.g. whether medical assistance should have been sought earlier, or whether different management might have altered the outcome
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Participation in the summit process and confirming conclusions in the post-summit report
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Making reasonable amendments following review by the instructing party
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We also provide a fee estimate, so there are no surprises. Most ENS reports are charged on a fixed fee, but this will be dependent on the volume of records, the number of allegations that need to be addressed, and the general complexity of the case.
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​The fixed fee is set by the individual expert and reflects their specific area of expertise, the length of their clinical career, and their level of experience in preparing expert witness reports.
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