§ Baroness Galeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action has been taken with regard to the civil servant in the Department of Health, Dr Peter Doyle, who was criticised in the report of the public inquiry into children's heart surgery at the Bristol Royal Infirmary 1984 to 1995. [HL2385]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathThe Department of Health commissioned independent assessors to lead a review of the inquiry report and other relevant information and make recommendations on whether or not any action should be initiated in respect of Dr Doyle. The assessors were Lesley James, former Vice-President of the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development, and Sir David Carter, Vice-Principal of Edinburgh University. Their overall conclusion was that Dr Doyle responded appropriately to the information he was given by Dr Bolsin on 19 July 1994 about poor results following paediatric cardiac surgery in the Bristol unit, taking into account the context in which he was operating at the time. They concluded that, while it is possible with hindsight to question Dr Doyle's decision not to examine the detailed data he was given by Dr Bolsin, any criticism has to be balanced both against the prompt and positive action he did take in writing to Professor Angelini at the Trust, raising the concerns that had been drawn to his attention and seeking reassurances, and against the subsequent assurances he was given. The Chief Executive of the Department of Health, Nigel Crisp, has accepted their conclusions, including the recommendation that no disciplinary action is warranted and that Dr Doyle should resume his current duties in the department, working as the Senior Medical Officer providing advice on renal services and transplant services which he has done.