Bolam v. Friern Hospital Management Committee (1957) 1 WLR 583 (‘The Bolan Test’)
Bolam was a voluntary patient at a mental health institution where he agreed to undergo electro-convulsive therapy, but was not given any relaxant drugs or restraint during the procedure so that he suffered several nasty injuries as a result, including fractures to the acetabula. Consequently, Bolam sued the Committee for compensation arguing they were negligent for - (a) not issuing relaxants; (b) not restraining him; and (c) not warning him about the possible risks.
Therefore, this case established where the defendant represents themselves as having more than average skills so that standards are expected in keeping with a responsible body of opinion, even if there was more than one view.
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