A DOCTOR who provided care in Swindon has been found guilty of failing to fully investigate the condition of a sick baby, who died hours later.

Doctor Paul Dryden is currently working as a locum in the town and in 2000 he provided out of hours care.

The General Medical Council's professional conduct committee in Central London heard that the baby, known as Baby B, died after he failed to make a home visit.

The boy's mother, known as Mrs E, said that the baby became ill on January 7, 2000 at 2am. Dr Dryden was told the 21-month-old was wheezing like a "pair of bellows", had dry shrivelled lips and had not drunk fluids for 24 hours, it was alleged. But he told the boy's parents that the child's condition was perfectly normal. The infant died seven hours later.

The GP will find out today whether or not he is guilty of serious professional misconduct. He has already admitted inadequate care and the GMC will decide today whether action will be taken over his registration.