RCoA responds to Court of Appeal decision in the case of Dr Bawa-Garba

In response to the Court of Appeal’s judgment in the Bawa-Garba case, Dr Liam Brennan, President of The Royal College of Anaesthetists said:

“I welcome the General Medical Council’s acceptance of the Court of Appeal’s judgment in this case.

“However, today’s verdict does not detract from the fact this was a tragic case involving the death of a child and we continue to extend our sympathy to the Adcock family.

“While the safety and wellbeing of all patients must remain at the forefront of all clinicians’ minds, this case has demonstrated there is much learning which arises for the medical profession, our regulator and the entire NHS.

“When things do go wrong doctors must feel able to reflect openly and honestly on their practice without fear of repercussions, particularly if systemic failings have contributed to an adverse outcome for a patient.

“We hope that today’s judgment will now allow all parties involved to move on and truly embed a culture of learning rather than blame across our health and social care system.”