by Simon Tulett

A mother whose baby died hours after being born at Darent Valley Hospital has criticised a decision not to take action against the doctor who delivered him.

Carla Bradbrook is "appalled" by the verdict of the General Medical Council.

Her first-born, Joshua, died at the Dartford hospital in June 2005 after she was admitted for an induction. He was born with fractures to both sides of his skull following attempts to force the birth.

The hospital's internal investigation indicated Joshua was in distress and had an abnormal heartbeat in the final stages of labour. Registrar Dr Boshihi Mohlala transferred Mrs Bradbrook, 31, to the hospital's delivery suite for emergency assistance 45 minutes later.

The locum obstetrician, who was on his first day at the hospital, gave six pulls with the ventouse suction device, according to medical records. When this failed, he unsuccessfully administered forceps, finally giving Mrs Bradbrook a Caesarean section. The baby had to be forced back up the birth canal.

The GMC have refused to open a case against Dr Mohlala on the grounds they found no proof that he was unfit to practice.

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, admitted liability in December 2008 - but Mrs Bradbrook and husband John, 30, from Gravesend, want Dr Mohlala to take responsibility.

Mrs Bradbrook said: "We would be sickened if any other parents have to go through the pain that we have."

Darent Valley Hospital was unavailable for comment.

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