AN NHS Trust has said it ‘deeply regrets’ not referring the doctor responsible for Connor Sparrowhawk’s care to the General Medical Council (GMC).

Dr Valerie Murphy was this week given a 12-month suspension after 18-year-old Mr Sparrowhawk died while left unsupervised in a bath at Slade House in Headington in 2013.

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, who ran the now closed facility, at the time decided not to refer the psychiatrist to the GMC following Mr Sparrowhawk’s death, leaving it up to the family to fight for sanctions to be brought.

Chief Executive at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Nick Broughton, said: “It is clear from the sanctions imposed this week that there were a number of failings in the care and leadership provided by Dr Murphy, whilst she was employed at Southern Health.

"In light of the sanctions imposed today and with the benefit of hindsight, the Trust’s decision not to make a referral to the GMC at an earlier stage is something we deeply regret.

“The Trust has now significantly improved the manner in which it investigates serious incidents and as a result of this, as a matter of routine, consideration would now be given to whether referral to a professional body is required, so that prompt, appropriate action can be taken if clinicians fall short of the high standards and responsibilities we expect.”

Mr Sparrowhawk was found submerged in the bath after suffering an epileptic fit.

During the course of the tribunal which concluded this week Dr Murphy admitted a string of failings in the care of the teenager.

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, accepted full responsibility after an inquest into Mr Sparrowhawk's death ruled neglect played a part.

The trust later apologised to Mr Sparrowhawk's family and pleaded guilty in court to offences under the Health and Safety Act.

Mr Sparrowhawk’s mother, Sara Ryan, said she was ‘devastated’ with the ruling to suspend Dr Murphy making calls for the psychiatrist to be struck off.