Clarification

doi:10.1136/bmj.a2069

Published 13 October 2008, doi:10.1136/bmj.a2069
Cite this as: BMJ 2008;337:a2069

Letters

Southall verdict

Clarification

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

PACA members wish to make it clear that the apology ProfessorSouthall made at his recent hearing was not about the childprotection importance of the episode of nose bleeding and difficultyin breathing described by Mr Clark in his own words on a televisionprogramme—an incident that had occurred in his 10 weekold infant just 10 days before his sudden death.¹ Southall apologisedabout the language in his report, which was an agenda item fora meeting of professionals involved in the family court case,including Southall, Professor David, who was acting as the instructedexpert, and the child’s solicitor.

The phrasing he used was regarded as injudicious by one of fivechild protection experts at the recent General Medical Councilfitness to practise hearing, and as a result he apologised (onlyto Mrs Clark) because it damaged the message he was giving andbecause it was originally . . . [Full text of this article]

John Bridson, coordinator, Professionals Against Child Abuse (PACA)¹, On behalf of the members of PACA

¹ Barnsley S73 8ER

john.bridson@doctors.org.uk

CiteULike

Complore

Connotea

Del.icio.us Add to Digg

Digg

StumbleUpon Add to Technorati

Technorati What's this?

Relevant Article

Southall is allowed to return to child protection work: Clare Dyer
BMJ 2008 337: a1811. [Extract] [Full Text]

Rapid Responses:

Read all Rapid Responses

The baby, the serious illness and the bloody nose: Mark Struthers
bmj.com, 22 Oct 2008 [Full text]
Re: The baby, the serious illness and the bloody nose: Michael D Innis
bmj.com, 24 Oct 2008 [Full text]