David Southall - GMC - 4 December 2007

RCPCH response - David Southall - GMC - 4 December 2007

Dr Patricia Hamilton, RCPCH President:

"The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is saddened and disappointed to learn of this judgment.  David Southall has made a major contribution to child health both nationally and internationally and has been a strong advocate for children during a distinguished career. 

Sadly there are circumstances where parents may have harmed their children, and in these situations health professionals have a statutory duty to act on their concerns and look after the best interests of the child.  This is clearly defined in the Government's document 'Working Together to Safeguard Children'. 

We are very concerned that paediatricians and social workers will be deterred from undertaking child protection work, and that children and young people may come to harm."