Baby waits hours on hospital trolley

Ben developed pneumonia while he was waiting

An 11-month-old baby was kept waiting on a hospital trolley for 16 hours, prompting a major investigation at a Birmingham hospital.

Ben Lander was taken to Diana Princess of Wales Children's Hospital on Saturday night after contracting chickenpox.

It took four hours for a doctor to see him by which time he had developed pneumonia and then another 12 hours before he was transferred to a ward.

His parents Darren and Paige Lander, from Solihull, have criticised the hospital's management over their son's treatment.

We regret unreservedly the long delay in finding an isolation cubicle for Ben Lander

Dr Sandy Bradbrook
Chief executive

Chief executive Dr Sandy Bradbrook said a full investigation was underway to ensure it did not happen again.

He said: "We regret unreservedly the long delay in finding an isolation cubicle for Ben Lander.

"Ben required an isolation cubicle due to his infectious condition.

"I have spoken to Ben's family and they have complimented the hospital on the care they received throughout their stay."

'Good care'

Dr Bradbrook said the hospital was full over the weekend and there were no isolated paediatric cubicles elsewhere in the city.

He said: "In consultation with Mr and Mrs Lander it was agreed to keep Ben at the hospital pending the availability of a cubicle.

"At all times Ben was safe and well cared for."

Mr Lander said his son was discharged from hospital on Wednesday.

He said he sympathised with the nurses but called for hospital bosses to spend more time finding out what really goes on in the hospital.