A DOCTOR who failed to spot Baby P’s broken ribs and back during an examination has been suspended, the General Medical Council (GMC) said .Dr Sabah Al-Zayyat missed the injuries days before the 17-month-old boy died in a blood-splattered cot following abuse from his mother, her boyfriend and a lodger.
In a statement today, the GMC said its Interim Orders Panel had decided to suspend Dr Al-Zayyat’s registration. It added: “Investigations are ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”
Baby P died in August last year after suffering more than 50 injuries.
Two days before his death, Dr Al-Zayyat examined the toddler at a child development clinic at St Ann’s Hospital in north London.
The doctor, who qualified in Pakistan and worked in Saudi Arabia before coming to Britain in 2004, noticed bruises to his body.
But she decided she could not carry out a full systemic examination as the boy was “miserable and cranky”.
She did not realise one of his fingernails was missing and, when asked why she had not noticed his ribs were broken, replied: 'It's difficult to see through the chest.'
A post-mortem examination later revealed injuries including a broken back and ribs, believed to have been obtained prior to the examination.
After the case came to light, Dr Al-Zayyat had her contract with Great Ormond Street Hospital – responsible for child services in Haringey – terminated and was banned from working unsupervised.
the GMC’s interim panel decided to upgrade this to a full suspension.
A statement read today: “The Interim Orders Panel decided on Friday November 21 to suspend Dr Al-Zayyat’s registration.
“Investigations are continuing and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”
Last week, Dr Al-Zayyat broke her silence over the case of Baby P.
In a statement made through the Medical Protection Society, which gives professional indemnity to healthcare professionals, she 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 cooperate 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.”
Dr Al-Zayyat was working as a locum paediatrician at St Ann's Hospital in Tottenham when she examined Baby P on August 1 last year.
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