6 claims against doctor upheld by council

A consultant paediatrician has been found guilty of allegations of poor professional performance at a Medical Council hearing in Dublin.

Six out of the seven allegations against locum consultant paediatrician Dr Mohammad Ilyas Khan, from Tipperary, were found proven as to fact yesterday.

The allegations were in relation to the treatment of ‘BT’, who was born on June 15, 2012. The boy’s mother, Noelle Tobin, made the complaints against Dr Khan, who was practising as a locum consultant paediatrician in South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel, at the time of the birth.

The fitness to practise inquiry began in April. BT, who is now 3, has cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that affects muscle co-ordination and body movement. He receives ongoing therapy for his condition.

One allegation claimed Dr Khan did not put an adequate treatment plan in place following the baby’s birth and diagnosis of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (hypoxia).

Another allegation claimed that following the birth of BT, Dr Khan failed to arrange for his transfer to a neonatal intensive care unit for specialist treatment.

Ms Tobin and husband Liam were pleased with the ruling yesterday. They said while the outcome will not change their lives, they hope it will help other families.

“We are very pleased that six out of seven allegations against Dr Khan regarding the case of our son have been proven beyond reasonable doubt,” the couple said in a statement. They had attended the hearing with their children.

“The outcome will not change our lives but hopefully it will have a positive impact for other families.”

They added: “The inquiry process was a very positive experience for us and no matter what the outcome, we always felt we were listened to and heard.

“A special thank you to all our families and friends and all those involved in the inquiry.”

Ms Tobin told the inquiry in April of the devastating effects her son’s condition has had on their family. She described the days that followed her son’s birth as the family adjusted to their new lives and the diagnosis.

She said that instead of reading cards of congratulations, she was reading about all the disability benefits to which she would now be entitled.

Ms Tobin, a teacher by profession, now cares full time for her son, and has not been able to return to work outside the home.

Ms Tobin said that, as her son has grown, “every milestone he met was a result of blood, sweat, and tears on his part and on our part.

“We try to stay present but it’s very hard not to think about the future. It has really devastated us as parents.”

Throughout the inquiry, Dr Khan defended his treatment of BT. It will be determined at a later date as to what sanctions, if any, will be imposed.