Princess attends controversy forum

10:08am Thursday 17th April 2008

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THE Princess Royal was in York yesterday to attend the annual scientific meeting of Britain's children's doctors.

Princess Anne attended as a patron of the Royal College of Paediatric and Child Health (RCPCH) at its conference at the University of York.

Doctors and researchers from across the world attended to discuss issues ranging from immunisation to child sexual abuse to breastfeeding at the four-day conference, which finishes today.

But there was controversy yesterday as a motion of "no confidence" was tabled against the General Medical Council (GMC).

Some 32 members of the RCPCH signed the motion which calls on the GMC to review its procedures in child protection complaints "as a matter of urgency".

They claim paediatricians are being put off appearing as expert witnesses in court cases because of the heavy-handed approach of regulators.

The signatories say the GMC's "disproportionate" ban on two paediatricians for their conduct in child cases has led to a climate of fear among doctors.

In 2005, Sir Roy Meadow was struck off by the GMC for his "misleading" evidence in the trial of Sally Clark, accused of murdering her two sons.

The previous year, Professor David Southall was struck off after accusing a mother of drugging and murdering her son.

The GMC said child doctors very rarely face disciplinary action.