Thousands sign petition in support of doctor struck off over death of six-year-old boy

Hadiza Bawa-Garba (l) and Jack Adcock (r)

Thousands of doctors have signed a petition to support a junior doctor struck off after the death of a six-year-old boy at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. Hadiza Bawa-Garba was dismissed because of mistakes in the care of Jack Adcock.

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Many doctors say she's been made a scapegoat and that there are "chronic staff shortages" in the NHS. Jack's family says the right decision was made and have described their actions as "disgusting" and "a joke."

Jack Adcock, who had Down's Syndrome and a known heart condition, died at Leicester Royal Infirmary in 2011 after he developed sepsis.

Bawa-Garba had missed signs of an infection and mistakenly thought he was under a do-not resuscitate order.

After a trial at Nottingham Crown Court in 2015, Dr Hadiza Bawa-Garba was sentenced to two years in prison suspended for two years for his death.

Her defence at a Medical Practitioners Tribunal said there were 'systemic failings' at the hospital which should be taken into account - and that she should be suspended, rather than barred.

However, last week the High Court has ruled that she should be struck off.

Doctors have raised almost £250,000 to help Bawa Garba appeal against the decision.

Leicestershire Police have confirmed they've received a letter urging the force to bring corporate manslaughter charges against The Leicester Royal Infirmary where Jack was treated.

The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust say they'll be discussing the letter with the Crown Prosecution Service and await the outcome of those discussions.