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A doctor accused of failing to spot Baby P’s broken ribs and back shortly before he died has spoken of the “shocking and tragic circumstances of his death”.
Dr Sabah Al-Zayyat, who is facing an investigation and has been banned from working unsupervised, said in a statement that she had been “deeply affected” by events.
The toddler died in a blood-splattered cot in August last year after suffering more than 50 injuries at the hands of his abusive mother, her boyfriend and a lodger.
Dr Al-Zayyat examined Baby P at a child development clinic at St Ann’s Hospital in North London shortly before his death.
The doctor, who qualified in Pakistan and worked in Saudi Arabia before coming to Britain in 2004, noticed bruises to his body but decided she could not carry out a full systemic examination because the boy was “miserable and cranky”.
A post-mortem examination later revealed injuries including a broken back and ribs, believed to have been inflicted before the examination.
Dr Al-Zayyat has since had her contract with Great Ormond Street Hospital, which is responsible for child services in Haringey, terminated and has been banned from working unsupervised until the end of an inquiry.
In a statement made through the Medical Protection Society, which gives professional indemnity to healthcare professionals, Dr Al-Zayyat said: “Like everyone involved in this case, I have been deeply affected by the shocking and tragic circumstances of this young child’s death.
“My professional career has been devoted to the care of children. I will co-operate with any investigation to identify whether lessons can be learnt from this case — but I feel it would be inappropriate to provide any further comment to the press at this time.”
Yesterday, it emerged that three doctors had warned that Baby P appeared to be suffering physical abuse before his death. A consultant paediatrician and two other medical experts concluded that bruises found on the little boy’s body suggested “non-accidental” injuries.
The revelation came amid increased calls for a full public inquiry into how Haringey Council in North London had failed to prevent Baby P’s death.
The authority icame under attack during a highly charged meeting last night at which its leader was urged to stand down. Facing heckles from the public area, Councillor George Meehan brushed off calls for his resignation but issued a “heartfelt and unreserved” apology on behalf of the council and himself.
He expressed sorrow for “the suffering he endured” and the “failure of all the child protection agencies” to save the baby’s life. He issued an apology to “all those who knew and cared for the wellbeing of Baby P”.
Mr Meehan continued: “There is no failure to apologise in full by this council, we do so unreservedly. There is no failure to recognise our accountability, we do so and await the report of the [government] review.”
Members of the public shouted “shame” and “how many more must die?” during the cabinet meeting. The Liberal Democrats called for his resignation.
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i am disgusted with the professionals involved in this case, i also find it hard to understand how family, friends and neighbours didn't notice the abuse this poor child was suffering. i reported a case of abuse the children were removed & then given back and the family moved - what a joke.
ann, stockport, england
The child was in clinic for a developmental assessment-this does not require an extensive physical examination-children do not even need to be undressed. Had the doctor known about the protection concerns I have no doubt she would, and indeed should have, thoroughly examined the childs body.
Ben, Great Yarmouth,
no excuse can be used......she was not the only doctor ( nor so called proffesional) to fail this child, i really can not undersatnd how anyone could do what they did, but i find it equally difficult to undersatnd why anyone woulo not follow the correct actions to help this little boy DILIGENTLY!!!
c delaney, birmingham, uk
Baby P haunts my dreams. I clutch my babies tighter and feel my heart bleed for this poor defenseless little angel.
I cry and pray all my families angels to protect him infinitely and envelope him with limitless love like he should have been while in our societies care.
We need answers & change!
Pinar, Sutton, UK
I have cried so many tears over baby p. What a beautiful little boy. This woman must have been deaf & blind, anyone could see he was being beaten by the state of his face. Managers should be the people that have seen abuse in the real world not desk huggers and pencil pushers. What is going on?????
c s hall, norwich, england
This so called doctor is a total disgrace , she should not be practising at all , how could anyone use the excuse that the baby was crying so there was no examination? Babies cry when something is wrong , its the only way they can communicate for god's sake .
clare, brighton, uk
Anyone that failed to protect this poor child, if they had a shred of decency, should resign. Sadly, decency seems to be as rare as common sense among the people who land these jobs. Yet another shame heaped onto 'Not my responsibility' Britain,
R.I.P poor baby boy. You should have been safe.
Barbara, Sutton, Surrey
its a dame shame the child had to suffer and no one noticed his injuries
michelle kinsella, airdrie, scotland
This doctor can say whatever she likes, the fact is she didn't do her job properly. If she had done her job properly Baby P would be alive now. She should never work with young children ever again.
S. Wallace, Hornchurch, UK
i am so upset at the very , very sad case of baby p. All the social workers concerned, and doctors, in this case should be sacked, and never again be involved with children in any way, How baby p must have suffered. My thoughts are with you baby p, rest in peace. darling. xxx
carole dowden, croydon, england
Oh well, if the baby was "cranky" definitely she should wait until he's in a better mood before checking for life-threatening injuries! We wouldn't her day to be ruined by a crying baby in agony. Is this person even remotely qualified to work with children?!
Kristina, Witney, UK
Baby 'P' was also 'deeply affected' and this Doctor should not be allowed to even look at ,never mind examine, another person, in Britain again.
Keith, Perigueux, France
A child does not become 'miserable' and 'cranky' without a reason. Child at that age doesnt lie, especially I could tell without even need to be there that baby P's cry must be 'scream-ish'.
lai, London, UK
Enough is enough, she should be sacked and the council leader resign plus anybody else involved. The torture and murder of child must the most heinous crime on the planet.
Nick Broad, Norwich,
I think its right that some of these people loose their job's however they all shouldn't. This is becoming a massive Witch hunt and i don't like to see that. I believe either people start getting sacked or the public will demand death by public suiside.
Suneh, Coventry,
How can you not notice broken ribs when you are a specialised doctor ...in great ormond street ?
She should be taken to court, this is a lack to medical duties.
She is partly responsible for his death.
As an old amateur boxer I can assure anyone than one notices straight away a slight bruise rib !
mark, london,
this is the right decision that she should not work unsupervised and that she has had her contract with Great Ormond Street Terminated. Any Doctor who manages to miss broken ribs and a broken back has a serious training issue and should not be in the profession
cheryl, Stafford, UK