A psychiatrist who admitted multiple failings over the death of a teenager with autism could be struck off.
Dr Valerie Murphy is facing a sanction. It follows a tribunal ruling that she was guilty of misconduct and her fitness to practice impaired following the death of 18-year-old Connor Sparrowhawk.
Connor Sparrowhawk: the clinician who was in charge of his care could be sanctioned in February
Psychiatrist ‘showed no remorse’
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) panel accused the psychiatrist of showing no remorse over the death of the teenager, who also had epilepsy.
Murphy was the lead clinician in charge of Connor’s care when he had a seizure and drowned in a bath at an NHS unit.
She admitted 29 failings over the death at the Southern Health NHS foundation trust run Slade House, in Oxfordshire. It took place in July 2013.
The tribunal found a further nine failings proved, but rejected 18 other allegations.
No risk assessments
Among her failings, Murphy admitted she did not carry out any risk assessments. She also admitted failing to meet Connor’s clinical needs relating to his epilepsy and the bathroom.
The panel members expressed concern that Murphy had “not demonstrated insight into the gravity” of her shortcomings.
And they highlighted how Murphy had failed to apologise to Connor’s mother Sara Ryan.
They accused her of showing remorse only over the impact the tribunal process had on her, rather than for Connor’s family.
‘Looking for excuses’
The panel accused her of “looking for excuses”.
The teenager’s death led to the discovery that Southern Health failed to properly investigate the deaths of more than 1,000 patients with learning disabilities or mental health problems.
The MPTS panel is due to meet in February 2018 to decide whether to sanction the psychiatrist.
As well as being struck off, other options available to the panel are imposing conditions on Murphy’s registration, taking no further action or suspending her.
Related:
- Tribunal decides Connor doctor’s fate
- Mum reveals fight over Connor’s death
- Connor Sparrowhawk doctor still at work
- First step in justice for Connor?
- Percy’s former role not advertised
- Percy shunted out of £190k post
- Adults fear death in poor healthcare
- No trust in Southern Health NHS Trust
Published: 15 November 2017
