Media Release
For immediate release
Tuesday 4 December 2007
STATEMENT FROM DR DAVID SOUTHALL, A PAEDIATRICIAN IN STAFFORDSHIRE, FOLLOWING TODAY’S GMC DECISION
“I am disappointed by today’s verdict as I have always maintained that the actions I took were in the best interests of the children involved. In common with all doctors who work in child protection, I have often had to make difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions, but the welfare of children has always been paramount in my mind. This principle is, of course, enshrined not only in law but in the GMC’s own guidance.
“I have had, and continue to have, tremendous support from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, my colleagues, family, friends and the legal team provided by the MDU and I would like to thank them all.
“I have nothing further to add save that I am taking legal advice about the prospect of an appeal.”
Ends
Contact Dawn Boyall or Susan Field in the MDU’s press office on T: 020 7202 1535/1504, M: 07773 772816, E: boyalld@the-mdu.com. www.the-mdu.com