Ufunwen Kingsley OSAYI

‘Dr Osayi Between July 2023 and January 2024, Dr Osayi failed to undertake and report post-mortem examinations to the standard expected of a doctor. These failings included deficiencies in the conduct of examinations, the investigation of potential causes of death, adherence to professional guidance and protocols, and the formulation and reporting of causes of death. Dr Osayi also provided explanations during coronial proceedings which were not consistent with appropriate post-mortem practice. This conduct has led to the Tribunal issuing Dr Osayi the following warning. This conduct represents a clear and specific departure from the professional standards expected of a doctor and it must not be repeated. The required standards are set out in Good medical practice. In this case, the following paragraphs of Good Medical Practice are particularly relevant: ‘7 You must be competent in all aspects of your work, including management, research and teaching. … 11 You must be familiar with guidelines and developments that affect your work. … 14 You must recognise and work within the limits of your competence. 15 You must provide a good standard of practice and care. If you assess, diagnose or treat patients, you must: a adequately assess the patient’s conditions, taking account of their history (including the symptoms and psychological, spiritual, social and cultural factors), their views and values; where necessary, examine the patient c refer a patient to another practitioner when this serves the patient’s needs. … 19 Documents you make (including clinical records) to formally record your work must be clear, accurate and legible. You should make records at the same time as the events you are recording or as soon as possible afterwards.’

While this conduct was not considered sufficiently serious to require restrictions on Dr Osayi’s registration, the circumstances were such that it just fell short of a finding of impaired fitness to practise. If similar failings were to occur again, they would likely lead to a finding that Dr Osayi’s fitness to practise is impaired, as such conduct could undermine patient safety, public confidence in the profession, and the proper standards expected of doctors. It is therefore necessary to issue this formal warning to place Dr Osayi on notice that such failings must not be repeated. Dr Osayi must ensure that he maintains up-to-date professional knowledge, follows relevant professional guidance and protocols when undertaking post-mortem examinations, and ensures that all examinations, investigations and reports are conducted to the standard expected of a competent specialist practitioner. This warning will be published on the medical register in line with our publication and disclosure policy, which can be found at www.gmc-uk.org/disclosurepolicy.’