Police examine meningitis death

Aleesha was taken back to hospital when her condition worsened

Police have been called in to investigate the case of a baby who died from meningitis the day after she was sent home from A&E with paracetamol.

Nine-month-old Aleesha Evans was taken by her parents to the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, in August last year.

She was suffering with a rash on her body and was vomiting, but her parents said doctors sent her home.

Gwent NHS Trust managers said an internal inquiry had been conducted and that a doctor had been suspended.

Police became involved after an hospital inquiry raised "issues".

It was on completion of this inquiry, that Gwent Police were called in.

On 8 August last year, Shiree Hanbury and Craig Evans, both 21, noticed a change in their daughter who was usually "happy and bright".

I'm glad something's being done to try and find out what went wrong. But it won't bring her back Shiree Hanbury

She had developed a purple blotch on her ribcage and started being sick.

They also noticed that although her body was burning up she had cold arms and legs.

At 1945 BST they arrived at the Royal Gwent Hospital's accident and emergency where Aleesha was examined by medics.

But following tests, her parents told the South Wales Argus they were told she had a viral infection and were sent home with a bottle of Calpol (liquid paracetamol) and Nurofen.

Following a sleepless night, Aleesha's parents noticed their daughter's condition was deteriorating with more rashes on her body.

They called an ambulance and the child was taken back to the hospital where she became seriously ill with her heart stopping twice.

She was later transferred to Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales where she died the following day.

A doctor was suspended following an inquiry at the hospital

A spokesman for the Royal Gwent Hospital confirmed the matter has been referred to the police. He said one doctor had been suspended, but he also believed that doctor had now left the trust.

A Gwent Police statement read: "Following a meeting with Gwent NHS Trust and senior medical professionals, Gwent Police can confirm they are jointly investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of an infant at the Royal Gwent Hospital on August 8, 2006.

"The trust's internal inquiry raised issues, which they referred to us for investigation.

"This is now taking place and it would be inappropriate to comment further until that is complete.

"The baby's family is aware and family liaison officers are offering support."

Aleesha's mother, Shiree Hanbury told the South Wales Argus newspaper: "I want them to make sure this doesn't ever happen again to anyone else," she said.

"I'm glad something's being done to try and find out what went wrong. But it won't bring her back."