Baby P doctor 'applied for job'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/8492361.stm

Version 0 of 1.

The doctor who did not spot Baby Peter's broken back is facing new misconduct allegations after applying for a job without mentioning the case.

Dr Sabah Al-Zayyat examined 17-month-old Peter Connelly before he died in 2007 from abuse in Haringey, north London, but did not spot the injury.

Dr Al-Zayyat allegedly applied for a doctor's job in Ireland - but did not disclose disciplinary action.

She will appear before the General Medical Council (GMC) this month.

The doctor is accused of a catalogue of failings relating to her treatment of Baby Peter.

A GMC spokeswoman said the panel, which begins sitting on 22 February, will investigate claims that "although a child had been placed on the Child Protection Register, [she] failed to carry out an adequate examination or arrange further investigations".

It is alleged that her conduct was seriously below the standard expected of a reasonably competent paediatrician, unprofessional and dishonest GMC spokeswoman

"It is also alleged that she failed to investigate the explanation offered for the child's injuries, or make a record of any consideration being given to the possibility of the child being the subject of abuse," she said.

The spokeswoman added: "It is further alleged that Dr Al-Zayyat failed to diagnose that the child has suffered physical abuse, possible neglect and emotional abuse."

As she was under investigation by the GMC, Dr Al-Zayyat should have informed any prospective new employer about the proceedings.

But the spokeswoman said: "It is alleged that, contrary to conditions imposed on her, when applying for a post in the Irish Republic, Dr Al Zayyat failed to inform her prospective employer.

"It is alleged that her conduct was seriously below the standard expected of a reasonably competent paediatrician, unprofessional and dishonest."

Missed opportunity

Dr Al-Zayyat missed Baby Peter's injuries after deciding she could not carry out a full check-up because the little boy was "cranky".

Two days later he died in a blood-splattered cot in Haringey, north London.

Dr Al Zayyat lost her job at Great Ormond Street Hospital after the scandal.

The baby's mother Tracey Connelly, 28, and her partner Steven Barker were told they would serve minimum jail terms of five and 12 years for causing the death.

Barker's brother Jason Owen was jailed for three years.