Voluntary erasure of Dr Sabah Al-Zayyat
A spokesperson said:
“This
decision to allow 'voluntary erasure' is a matter for the General
Medical Council. We stand by our decision not to renew Dr Al-Zayyat's
contract and to refer her to the GMC, actions which were taken in the
best interests of patients.
All agencies involved in the care of
Baby Peter accepted responsibility for failures in his care. We have
worked hard to strengthen the service as shown by positive independent
inspections in the last year.
Background
Actions of Dr Sabah Al-Zayyat – statement issued at time of first criminal trial
"At
the time of the tragedy, the Specialist Child Health Service based at
St Ann's was run by Haringey Teaching Primary Care Trust, but the
paediatricians in the service were employed and managed by Great Ormond
Street. Peter received a paediatric assessment on 1st August where he
saw Dr Al-Zayyat, locum consultant, appointed Jan 2007."
"Our
first concern is always the safety of patients and maintenance of high
standards of care. We must also act fairly and responsibly towards our
staff. Our considered view is that Dr Al-Zayyat failed to show the
vigilance we expect.”
“Knowing he had a Child Protection Plan, the
paediatrician should have examined the child thoroughly. All our
doctors know how vital it is to check for injuries. Even though there
was an adult with the child who claimed to be his foster mother, which
may well have confused the doctor, we have very clear guidelines and a
consultant paediatrician must be alert to the risks of child abuse every
time a child attends any clinic.
Dr Al-Zayyat’s contract was not
renewed by GOSH, she last saw children early May and left the Trust in
June 2008. The GMC restricted her practice some months ago (11 August
2008) but suspended her on Friday 21 Nov 2008.
Contact information:
GOSH-ICH Press Office: 020 7239 3125
Email: Coxs@gosh.nhs.uk
For genuine and urgent out of hours call speak to switchboard on 020 7405 9200
