Post by lynx on Feb 23, 2010 14:47:37 GMT
LONDON (Reuters) - A doctor accused of missing the abuse of Baby Peter just two days before his death failed to appear at a disciplinary hearing on Monday because of ill health, the General Medical Council said.
The toddler died in August 2007 aged 17 months after suffering a broken back and over 40 serious injuries during prolonged domestic violence, despite being on Haringey Council's child protection register.
He had received 60 visits from social workers and health agencies before his death.
Consultant paediatrician Dr Sabah Al-Zayyat was due to face misconduct charges at a GMC fitness to practise panel in central London.
She is accused of failing to spot Baby P had already suffered significant injuries, possibly including a broken back and ribs, two days before he died.
But the hearing was temporarily adjourned after being told that her mental health had "broken down" and that she had left the country.
Media reported that counsel for the GMC, Rebecca Poulet, received a report that her "mental health had broken down completely" and that she was "suicidal."
Mary O'Rourke, for Al-Zayyat, said that the doctor was no longer in the UK.
GMC panel chairman Ralph Bergmann adjourned the hearing to listen to more detailed submissions about Al-Zayyat's health in private.
The GMC hearing in London is scheduled to continue until mid-March and will look at whether Al-Zayyat failed to adequately diagnose abuse.
How is this for extreme cowardice. She should not have been aloud to leave the country and should have been dragged to the disciplinary action, kicking and screaming if necessary.
The toddler died in August 2007 aged 17 months after suffering a broken back and over 40 serious injuries during prolonged domestic violence, despite being on Haringey Council's child protection register.
He had received 60 visits from social workers and health agencies before his death.
Consultant paediatrician Dr Sabah Al-Zayyat was due to face misconduct charges at a GMC fitness to practise panel in central London.
She is accused of failing to spot Baby P had already suffered significant injuries, possibly including a broken back and ribs, two days before he died.
But the hearing was temporarily adjourned after being told that her mental health had "broken down" and that she had left the country.
Media reported that counsel for the GMC, Rebecca Poulet, received a report that her "mental health had broken down completely" and that she was "suicidal."
Mary O'Rourke, for Al-Zayyat, said that the doctor was no longer in the UK.
GMC panel chairman Ralph Bergmann adjourned the hearing to listen to more detailed submissions about Al-Zayyat's health in private.
The GMC hearing in London is scheduled to continue until mid-March and will look at whether Al-Zayyat failed to adequately diagnose abuse.
How is this for extreme cowardice. She should not have been aloud to leave the country and should have been dragged to the disciplinary action, kicking and screaming if necessary.