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Screenwriter Fought Medical Negligence with Charity
18 Feb
Summary
- Co-founded a charity supporting victims of medical accidents.
- Wrote influential TV dramas exploring human emotions and experiences.
- Inspired by real-life medical negligence cases in his writing.
Screenwriter and novelist Peter Ransley, who passed away recently at 94, left a profound legacy beyond his television dramas. He co-founded a charity dedicated to supporting individuals affected by avoidable harm in healthcare. Ransley’s writing, known for its taut thrillers and emotional depth, often focused on human experiences.
His 1980 BBC Play for Today, 'Minor Complications,' based on a real medical negligence case, spurred him to action. Following its broadcast, he received numerous personal accounts and advertised for help to establish a charity. In 1982, he, along with his wife Cynthia and solicitor Arnold Simanowitz, founded Action for Victims of Medical Accidents (AvMA), which has since significantly raised awareness and driven legal reforms in patient safety.
Ransley's career began after a brief stint studying chemistry and national service. He transitioned into journalism before pursuing playwriting, with early works like 'Disabled' gaining attention. He scripted episodes for soaps such as 'Rooms' and 'Couples,' and penned acclaimed dramas like 'The Price' and 'The Cry,' exploring complex human emotions and societal issues. His 2005 adaptation of 'Fingersmith' earned a Bafta nomination.
