Consultant obstetrician reported to the GMC
28/01/2005
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Birmingham Coroner Aidan Cotter has written to the General Medical Council regarding consultant obstetrician Eric Watson.
Mr Watson delivered baby Alexander Clarke by forceps in February 2004 at Wordsley Hospital in the West Midlands. Alexander sustained brain and spinal cord damage during birth and died 6 weeks later.
The Inquest into Alexander's death concluded that 'the spinal injury Inquest concluded that his death was 'Accidental.' sustained was probably the result of traction and rotation during forceps delivery'. The jury at the
The Coroner's letter asked Michael Hudspith, the investigation officer of the GMC's Fitness to Practise Directorate, to investigate Mr Watson and Dr Gamage Weerasena, a junior colleague who was also present at the birth.
On behalf of Alexander Clarke's parents, Richard Follis of Solihull based solicitors Alexander Harris said:
"The parents and family of Alexander Clarke are relieved that the Coroner has called for a full and proper investigation by the appropriate authorities. Their own complaint to the GMC was not acted upon immediately as they had expected. They sincerely hope that the Coroner's request is honoured by all of those to whom he has written to. It is telling that the Coroner has said he is sure that a full investigation is required by all appropriate authorities given that he himself decided not to hear all of the evidence bearing on Mr Watson and Dr Weerasena.
In particular the family feel that swift action is required in relation to Mr Watson, who delivered Alexander, as they fear that without safeguards other babies may be put at considerable risk. They do not want another family to go through what they have. If action had been taken by the authorities sooner the Clarke family's suffering might have been avoided."
The Coroner's letter has also been sent by him to:
1.Alexander Clarke's parents
2.Their solicitors, Alexander Harris
3.The Advocate who appeared on their behalf
4.Mr. Eric Watson
5.The Advocate who appeared on his behalf
6.Dr. Weerasena
7.The Advocate who appeared on his behalf
8.The Chairman of the Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust
9.The Trust's solicitors
10.The Advocate who appeared on behalf of the Trust
11.Each member of the Jury.
All media enquiries should be made to the Media Management Department at Alexander Harris solicitors on 08700 77 88 77.
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