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Baby's 'meningitis' death probed | Baby's 'meningitis' death probed |
(about 17 hours later) | |
A health authority in Kent has started an investigation into the death of a baby from suspected meningitis. | A health authority in Kent has started an investigation into the death of a baby from suspected meningitis. |
Harvey Davies, who suffered brain damage and organ failure, died on Sunday aged two weeks. | Harvey Davies, who suffered brain damage and organ failure, died on Sunday aged two weeks. |
West Kent NHS Primary Care Trust said it would look into Harvey's death following complaints from his family. | West Kent NHS Primary Care Trust said it would look into Harvey's death following complaints from his family. |
The family claim a GP told Harvey's grandmother, Sharon Humm, 46, of Swanley, that he had colic and did not check the baby's temperature. | |
'Little miracle' | 'Little miracle' |
Mrs Humm said: "We felt neglected from the time of birth. Harvey had mauve hands and purple feet when he was born." | |
Harvey was born five weeks prematurely and had been described as a "little miracle", after his mother was told she had polycystic ovary syndrome. | |
We are extremely saddened to hear of the loss of a young child, and our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time Dr James Thallon, NHS West Kent | We are extremely saddened to hear of the loss of a young child, and our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time Dr James Thallon, NHS West Kent |
He was taken to a GP surgery on Friday after the family became concerned that his skin looked a "sickly yellow" colour and his breathing was laboured. | He was taken to a GP surgery on Friday after the family became concerned that his skin looked a "sickly yellow" colour and his breathing was laboured. |
However, Mrs Humm said the doctor sent them home with a prescription without taking his temperature. | However, Mrs Humm said the doctor sent them home with a prescription without taking his temperature. |
The baby's father, Dan Davies, 22, said: "We just listened to her because we thought she was the best person to tell us what to do." | The baby's father, Dan Davies, 22, said: "We just listened to her because we thought she was the best person to tell us what to do." |
Harvey was taken to Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford by ambulance the following day when he suffered a seizure and was later transferred to the intensive baby care unit at St Thomas' Hospital in London. | |
The family was told Harvey could have contracted meningitis from his infected umbilical cord. | |
Mrs Humm added that staff at both hospitals had been "fantastic". | Mrs Humm added that staff at both hospitals had been "fantastic". |
Dr James Thallon, NHS West Kent's medical director, said: "We are extremely saddened to hear of the loss of a young child and our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. | Dr James Thallon, NHS West Kent's medical director, said: "We are extremely saddened to hear of the loss of a young child and our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. |
"NHS West Kent will investigate the circumstances around this tragic death, as is routine in these circumstances." | "NHS West Kent will investigate the circumstances around this tragic death, as is routine in these circumstances." |
He said it would be inappropriate to comment further "before the facts become clear". | He said it would be inappropriate to comment further "before the facts become clear". |