"Hundreds of scientists and
paediatricians have called on the General Medical Council to reinstate a
leading doctor who was struck off the medical register for her
controversial views on shaken baby syndrome. Waney Squier, a
neuropathologist, will appeal against the GMC’s ruling next week at the
High Court. Three-hundred and fifty experts have written a public letter
to the British Medical Journal urging the GMC to change its mind so she can practise again. Dr
Squier has said shaken baby syndrome is “rubbish”. She claims that
bleeding over the brain, blood collecting behind the eyes and brain
damage — all of which are associated with the condition — can be caused
by other factors such as an epileptic fit. Signatories include
many experts who do not share Dr Squier’s views but believe her
contribution to neuropathology and shaken baby syndrome is so valuable
she should carry on. They include Professor Peter Fleming, the man
credited with dramatically cutting the number of cot deaths by saying
babies should sleep on their backs, and Sir Iain Chalmers, the
award-winning scientist."