Paediatrician David Southall struck off medical register

Social workers and paediatricians could be deterred from child protection work following the removal of paediatrician David Southall from the medical register yesterday, professionals have warned.

Southall was struck off for serious professional misconduct after he made a false accusation that a woman drugged and killed her 10-year-old son.

The General Medical Council said the child expert had “deep-seated attitudinal problems” and that he had refused to acknowledge any professional shortcomings or apologise.

It was the second time Southall had been found guilty of serious professional misconduct. In 2004, he was found guilty and suspended from undertaking child protection for three years after he accused the husband of jailed solicitor Sally Clark of murdering their children.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, which has always backed Southall, said he had made a “major contribution” to child health.

“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,” the college’s president Patricia Hamilton said.

Southall is considering an appeal against the ruling.

More information

General Medical Council

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