Family get letter for dead son

The Durham trust says the letter was for another child

A health trust has apologised to a County Durham family who received a letter inviting their dead baby son for a hearing examination.

Kieron Pouton died of heart problems aged just seven days in 1997.

But his mother Dawn said the family received a letter at their home in Brandon, near Durham City, inviting their dead son to attend a hearing test.

The Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust (PCT) said the letter was meant for another child with a similar name.

'Early investigation'

Mrs Pouton said: "I can't understand how this has happened after four-and-a-half years.

"All the family's details are on file. I have been at the same clinic for the same test on my other two children, so they should know we lost Kieron.

"This has upset the whole family."

A spokesman for the PCT said: "An early investigation indicates the letter was addressed to a boy with a similar name.

"It appears the boy lived in a street with an identical name, who attends the same GP practice, but who lives in a neighbouring village.

"We deeply regret any distress that has been caused.