Mr Lek Siang Pheng is a lawyer with Dentons Rodyk & Davidson LLP, Singapore’s oldest law firm.

He specialises in professional malpractice defence work, and represents various healthcare institutions, both public and private. He also represents medical practitioners and dentists under the various professional indemnity schemes locally. He has about 30 years of experience in this sector.

As part of his professional involvement in the healthcare sector, Mr Lek is regularly engaged in teaching sessions for doctors and dentists organised by their respective professional bodies and institutions. He is currently a Honorary Legal Adviser to the Academy of Medicine Singapore, the College of Family Physicians Singapore and the Singapore Medical Association.

Presentation Synopsis 
The Role of an Effective Apology in Conflict Resolution

Communication and engagement between a healthcare provider and the patient is important, and there should really be little argument about this. But when a conflict arises during or after the delivery of care, what is the role of communication? Does an apology need to be deployed (some or all of the time)? Practically, what is its utility, if any, and the legal implication? Also, what if the healthcare provider’s own assessment is that there was no lapse in the care provided, but the patient/family wants an apology or at least some acknowledgement. The presentation will raise these and related issues for discussion.