A Care Quality Commission (CQC) report has heavily criticised Great Ormond Street Hospital for its role in the failures that led to the death of Baby P, a 17-month-old boy who died after sustained abuse. The hospital provided paediatric staff to other NHS trusts where the child was treated, but staff failed to recognise the danger he was in during 35 separate visits.
The report identifies a catalogue of errors, including poor communication between healthcare and social services, inadequate training in child protection, and a lack of access to medical notes. CQC chief executive Cynthia Bower stated: 'This is a story about the failure of basic systems. The NHS must accept its share of the responsibility.'
Two medical professionals have been suspended: consultant paediatrician Sabah al-Zayyat, who saw the baby two days before his death, and the child's GP. Dr al-Zayyat's contract with Great Ormond Street has been terminated, and she is suspended by the General Medical Council.
The report notes that all involved NHS trusts had previously told the Healthcare Commission they were compliant with child protection standards, which 'was clearly not the case'. A national review has been launched to investigate whether other trusts have also falsely claimed to have adequate safeguards.
Great Ormond Street Hospital and NHS Haringey have apologised and stated that changes have already been made to strengthen child protection procedures.
