Great Ormond Street Hospital finally apologies to whistleblower who was suspended rather than listened to

Belatedly, and after initially refusing to follow the recommendations of an investigation, Great Ormond Street Hospital has apologised to whistleblower Kim Holt who raised concerns about the unit that subsequently failed to properly protect Baby Peter.

Kim Holt (along with three other senior consultant paediatricians) tried to warn about serious failings in the unit which were, in their view, putting vulnerable children at risk. However, the hospital’s reactions ranged from suspending her through to blocking her return to work and failing to follow up on the recommendations of an investigation into her case.

The belated apology has taken Kim Holt three years to secure and once again raises questions about the judgement of Great Ormond Street Hospital’s Chief Executive, Jane Collins.

Jane Collins previously avoided a GMC investigation into her performance over the death of Baby Peter because she left the medical register shortly before any investigation could start and who has also been under fire for Great Ormond Street’s withholding of key information that was critical about its performance from two outside inquiries into Baby P’s death.