Please note: The judge was Hilbery J.
Facts
A patient died after a junior surgeon wrongly injected cocaine instead of procaine.
Issue
Was the hospital authority liable for its medical staff?
Held
The authority was held liable for the resident surgeon.
Principle
Control test: under a contract of service the master directs both what is done and how it is done.
Why it matters
A classic statement of the control test.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Collins v Hertfordshire County Council (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/collins-v-hertfordshire> accessed 31 October 2026
The accessed date is today's date. Check your course or publisher's style guide.
This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.