Baby death doctor struck off

3:21pm Friday 25th April 2008

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The grieving family of a baby girl who died after a botched delivery say they are concerned the doctor responsible could still be practising abroad.

Dr Vladan Visnjevac, the man whose delivery of Tracey and Jim Dinning's daughter, Hollie-Hope, left her with fatal head injuries was today struck off by the Great Medical Council (GMC).

“The GMC decision has not ended this awful episode in our lives, as we are expecting an inquest to be held later this year, and hope that one day Visnjevac will be brought to trial, to account for his devastating actions."

Tracey and Jim Dinning

The doctor was also suspended for the 28 day appeal period.

Dr Visnjevac fled to Bosnia after being charged with the baby's manslaughter in 2002.

In a statement released following today's decision Mr and Mrs Dinning said they fear he could be practising abroad.

The statement reads: "The GMC decision has not ended this awful episode in our lives, as we are expecting an inquest to be held later this year, and hope that one day Visnjevac will be brought to trial, to account for his devastating actions.

"We are very concerned that he is still free to practise as a doctor in other countries.

"We will not be making any comments about the evidence which has been considered by the GMC as we may be required to give evidence in the future.

"We would ask that our feelings be considered, and the privacy of our family is respected. Whilst we understand that our story is of interest to other people, we do not wish to answer any questions or give interviews.

"We would prefer efforts to be directed to tracing Visnjevac and ensuring that he faces justice in court."

Excessive force

Hollie-Hope Dinning, died after being delivered at St Peter's Hospital, Chertsey in May 2002 by Dr Visnjevac.

He had been the senior registrar on call on the night on May 24, 2002, when Mrs Dinning was admitted to the hospital 37 weeks' pregnant.

A GMC hearing, which started on Monday, heard Dr Visnjevac proceeded to attempt to deliver the baby four times using forceps applying them with "excessive force".

Mrs Dinning's mum described the scene as "Like a calf being delivered" while other family members had to stop Mrs Dinning being pulled off the bed.

Prosecutor Stephen Brassington described how the forceps blades had been placed asymmetrically, and together with the force, resulted in massive head injuries to the baby, who died hours after being delivered.

He said: "But for incompetence and excessive force, the baby would have been delivered healthy and normal.

Mr Dinning, had previously lost his former partner and child during childbirth at the hospital in 2000.

Arrest warrant

Detective Superintendent Ray Marley, the senior investigating officer for Surrey Police, commented: "One cannot but have immense sympathy for a family who had to suffer the heartbreaking distress of losing a baby in such tragic circumstances. That we are unable to deliver justice at this time is highly frustrating and we appreciate must simply aggravate the distress they feel.

"Surrey Police has conducted a thorough investigation into the death of baby Hollie and an arrest warrant has been issued.

"The case has now been considered by the General Medical Council, which decided that Dr Visnjevac should be erased from the register. "While their decision means that Dr Visnjevac will be prevented from causing similar tragedies in other people's lives in the UK, we share Tracey and Jim Dinning's disappointment that the doctor hasn't had to account for his actions in court.

"Surrey Police is committed to bringing offenders to justice; this is very much a live investigation and efforts will continue to bring this man back to face justice in this country."