GMC ends case against Victoria Climbie doctor

The General Medical Council has dropped charges of serious
professional misconduct against Dr Ruby Schwartz, a consultant
paediatrician who examined Victoria Climbie in the months leading
up to her death, writes Lindsay
Clark. 

The medical standards body would not say if the investigation
related to Victoria’s death or why proceedings against her
were dropped.

In a statement, the GMC said: “After further investigation of
the relevant events, the GMC has decided that it is not necessary
to hold an inquiry into Dr Schwartz’s fitness to practise. Dr
Schwartz has full registration.”

Victoria, who grew up in the Ivory Coast, was subjected to extreme
abuse by her great aunt and the woman’s boyfriend when she
was brought to England to live with them. She was taken to Dr
Schwartz because of marks on her body, but the paediatrician
diagnosed scabies.

In a statement issued by the Medical Defence Union, Dr Schwartz
said, “The death of Victoria Climbie was a tragedy and I would like
once again to extend my sympathies to her family.

“While it is impossible to forget this tragic event, I am relieved
that the GMC has dropped the case against me on the basis that
there is no prospect of any finding of serious professional
misconduct. I understand that this was after the GMC commissioned
an expert report which has been seen by my legal
representatives.

“The past four years have been a difficult time for me, but I
now want to move on from this and to continue to provide my
patients with the best possible care and dedication I
can.”

The GMC is considering charges of misconduct against Dr Mary
Rossiter, a second paediatrician who examined Victoria before her
death.