Inquiry after child's scan burns

Marie had a tumour on her spine

Managers at a Sussex hospital are investigating after a two-year-old girl suffered serious burns during a routine scan.

Marie Hamblett, who is recovering from cancer, was left in serious pain after the treatment at the Conquest Hospital in Hastings went wrong.

The toddler, from Hastings, now needs regular treatment at a burns unit in East Grinstead for the injuries to her chest and her parents fear she may be scarred for life.

Her mother Amy had taken her to the Hastings hospital for the scan four weeks ago to check that a tumour on her spine was not returning.

Marie had previously had successful treatment for her cancer at the Royal Marsden and St George's hospitals in London.

A hospital spokesman said there was a danger of electrode burns with MRI scans but they were unusual when using lower-powered machines like the one at the Conquest.

Marie's family said they are now considering legal action.