Inquiry for meningitis baby death

Aleesha was taken back to hospital when her condition worsened

A hospital is investigating claims by parents of a baby girl who died from meningitis that doctors sent her home and told them to give her paracetamol.

Aleesha Evans' parents rushed her to the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, when she came out in purple blotches.

Shiree Hanbury and Craig Evans were told Aleesha had a viral infection and just needed rest and the liquid medicine Calpol. She died the next day.

The Royal Gwent said it had begun an internal inquiry into Aleesha's death.

Nine-month-old Aleesha, from Bettws, near Newport, was examined by doctors for three hours at the hospital before they arrived at their diagnosis.

Ms Hanbury told the Western Mail newspaper: "Deep down I knew somehow they had got it wrong. It wasn't just a viral infection."

I saw the doctors shaking their heads and I knew she was gone Shiree Hanbury

The couple took their daughter home, but eight hours later she was rushed back to hospital after her condition worsened, with the rash spreading overnight.

"Her arms, chest and face were covered. It was like bruising," Ms Hanbury said.

"I was terrified, she was in such a state. I called an ambulance straight away.

"The doctors were completely different this time. I could see the panic in their faces."

Aleesha was transferred to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, later that day. Her condition stabilised and her parents went to the canteen briefly.

On their return, they found doctors frantically trying to resuscitate their daughter.

Ms Hanbury said: "Everyone was begging the doctors not to give up. I was too upset to watch. I had to leave the room.

"Then I saw the doctors shaking their heads and I knew she was gone.

"She was such a happy, cheerful baby, always pulling faces and she was just learning to crawl. Craig and I adored her.

"I don't want this to happen to anyone else. I want to know what happened."

Aleesha's funeral took place on Friday.

A spokesman for the Royal Gwent Hospital said: "Firstly we extend our deepest sympathy to all members of Aleesha's family at what must be a very difficult time for them.

"We can assure them we have begun an internal inquiry to find out exactly what led to this sad outcome, and they will be given full details of our findings.

"Until that is fully completed it would be inappropriate to make any further comment."