What is Bolam Test? What is the role of Bolam test in Medical Negligence? (Bolam v Friern Hospital)

What is Bolam Test? What is the role of Bolam test in Medical Negligence Case? (Bolam v Friern Hospital Management Committee)


The Bolam test was established in 1957 following the decision of the court in Bolam v Friern hospital management in which the court concluded that a doctor might be able to avoid a claim for negligence if he can prove that other medical professionals would have acted in the same way. This is a landmark celebrity case in the history of medial negligence or professional misconduct case.

The High Court of UK held that the doctor had not breached his duty to the patient, and so the defendant was not liable.

McNair J set out the test for determining the standard of care owed by medical professionals to their patients (sometimes referred to as the ‘Bolam test’). The professional will not be in breach of their duty of care if they acted in a manner which was in accordance with practices accepted as proper by a responsible body of other medical professionals with expertise in that particular area. If this is established, it does not matter that there are others with expertise who would disagree with the practice.

Bolam Test is accepted in Indian Court of Law.