Mum left 'disgusted' after doctor photographed naked baby

A children's hospital doctor was investigated by police after claims he took a photograph of a naked baby girl using a mobile phone.

Stephanie Wilkinson was having her child examined at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool after concerns she had jaundice - and said she complained after the doctor photographed her while she was unclothed.

Merseyside Police said an investigation was carried out following the incident in July last year but there was "insufficient evidence" to consider charges. Alder Hey said "all appropriate actions were taken".

However, Stephanie said the incident had left her feeling "absolutely disgusted" and "every time I change her nappy I can picture his examination and because he took that picture".

The 35-year-old, from Fazakerley in Liverpool, said she took her daughter to the hospital after being advised by the midwife she had jaundice.

She said the doctor examining her told her to take all her baby's clothes off, including her nappy.

During the examination, she said he went to take a photograph of her daughter on a mobile phone, which she said left her feeling "upset and angry".

"I told him not to do it," she said.

She said the doctor had told her he wanted to send the image to a consultant for advice.

But she said she told him: "Don't be sending that to anyone. I don't want that picture sent anywhere.

"When I went out of the room I was crying my eyes out to the nurses.

"I get upset talking about it because it's disgusting."

Stephanie said she also contacted Merseyside Police, feeling the incident had been inappropriate,

In a statement, the force said it had investigated but there was insufficient evidence of any offence.

The force said the doctor had told the parents he was using the photograph to compare to Google images and to seek advice from a colleague.

"The photograph was deleted at the request of the parents," the force continued.

"Following the allegation, we carried out inquiries and liaised with Alder Hey Hospital.

"Following further enquiries, it was established there was insufficient evidence to send to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider a charge.

"The matter was referred to Alder Hey for consideration of any further action involving the doctor."

In a statement, Alder Hey said: "We cannot comment on individual staff members. We are aware of this complaint and can confirm that a thorough investigation was carried out and all appropriate actions were taken."

The trust did not clarify whether or not the doctor was suspended but the General Medical Council's website shows he is still registered with a licence to practice.

Stephanie said she has not heard any more on the matter since, either from the hospital trust or PALS, the patient advice and liaison service.

She said: "They've left me hanging for seven months."

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