Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Evan Harris (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Tuesday, 18 December 2007 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Paediatricians (Child Protection)

Question: I am grateful to the Minister for that answer. Will she accept first, for the record, that it is her view, and the Government’s view, that fabricated and induced illness in children exists as a condition? Secondly, does she recognise the concerns of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and other paediatricians that the campaign that exists against doctors who argue for the diagnosis of that condition is deterring, and will deter, paediatricians from taking part in child protection work and that if that happens, the most vulnerable in our society—children who are being abused or who are at risk of abuse—will be the ones who suffer?

Answer: The hon. Gentleman raises some serious issues. A joint letter in my name and that of my Under-Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, West (Kevin Brennan), was laid before this House outlining the professional’s duty of care in child protection, the legal framework in which professionals operate and the basis on which sound professional judgments should be made, fully recognising the role of doctors as vital to the safeguarding of children’s welfare.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 469 c705-6;469 c703-4
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Children Abuse Doctors Health professions Protection Departmental coordination Paediatrics Department for Children, Schools and Families
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk