Browne Jacobson appoints Vicky Tomlinson as head of health and care

Browne Jacobson has appointed corporate partner Vicky Tomlinson as head of independent health and care, as the firm strengthens its offering to organisations operating across the sector.

The UK and Ireland law firm’s independent health and care team of 200-plus lawyers works with clients including private hospitals and clinics, later living, specialist and complex care operators and children’s services organisations, as well as developers, investors and funders.

With almost two decades’ legal experience, Tomlinson has focused solely on health and care transactions, advising providers, operators, shareholders, investors and funders on M&A and other strategic transactions.

She will be supported by senior members of the practice, including Emma Hinton, joint head of Browne Jacobson’s banking and finance team and a specialist in health and social care funding transactions; Victoria Thourgood, who leads the firm’s health, social care and life sciences real estate practice; and Carly Caton, who leads the firm’s international health and life sciences strategy.

In 2023, Tomlinson founded Health and Care Connect, Browne Jacobson’s networking and thought leadership community for the independent health and care sector. It now has more than 1,000 members and brings together providers, operators, investors and advisers to share insight and discuss the issues shaping health and care.

‘Independent providers are playing an increasingly important role in supporting the UK’s health and care system. Rapid advances in technology and AI, evolving models of care, increasing regulation and continued investment are transforming the sector,’ Tomlinson said.

‘Clients need advisers with genuine sector expertise who understand both the legal and commercial challenges they face, but who also roll up their sleeves and get things done. This is what our team is focused on, and I’m excited about building on that further.’

Gerard Hanratty, partner and head of health and life sciences, added: ‘The future of health and care in this country will depend on ever-closer partnerships between public and private sector organisations, and unlocking the inward investment needed to drive innovation, build capacity and improve outcomes for patients and service users.

‘Given our strengths of working with NHS and independent sector clients, we are uniquely positioned to support that agenda. Our approach is grounded in sector expertise and collaboration, and Vicky’s appointment will further strengthen our ability to support independent health and care clients as they navigate an increasingly complex and fast-moving market.’