A REPORT published by an independent health watchdog claims the NHS made a catalogue of errors which contributed to Baby P’s death.

The 17-month-old old, named Peter, had been seen by health services 35 times by the time he died in August 2007, after months of abuse.

The contact included appointments with his GP, Dr Jerome Ikwueke, health visitors, consultant paediatricians, hospitals and walk-in centres.

Two doctors involved in his care, including Dr Ikwueke, have already been suspended by the General Medical Council.

But the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has found that Haringey’s health services were also a concern.

The CQC criticised four services in particular —Haringey Primary Care Trust, responsible for community services, North Middlesex Hospital, in Edmonton, the Whittington Hospital, in Archway, and specialist children’s hospital Great Ormond Street, which provided the paediatric staff for both local trusts.

It said system failures meant medical records were not shared between different health services and NHS workers did not properly alert social services and police to their concerns.

The report also found that child protection training of health profession- als was inadequate, that there were chronic staff shortages and long delays between Peter’s referrals being made and him being seen.

CQC chief executive Cynthia Bower said: “This is a story about the failure of basic systems.

“There were clear reasons to have concern for this child, but the response was simply not fast enough or smart enough.

“The NHS must accept its share of the responsibility.”

Tracey Baldwin, NHS Haringey chief executive, said, “We are deeply sorry for this tragedy and apologise without reserve for the failures identified in this and other reports.

“We failed to understand the level of danger that Baby Peter was in and what he needed to be safe.

“We, along with the whole country, have been moved by the sad life and tragic death of Baby Peter.

“Our apology is heart- felt, and matched by our absolute commitment to create an NHS service for vulnerable children that is exemplary.”

She added: “We are committed to ensuring that our partnership of public services is robust so the best staff feel encouraged and supported to work in front-line child protection services.

“We are doing everything possible so the people of Haringey and staff across our organisations become confident they can rely on health, housing, police, schools and children’s services to provide the high quality care they rightly expect.”