Source: BBC News >> Read full article and comment

A hospital group which failed to spot a hole in a baby’s heart knew it had problems with its children’s services, the BBC has learned.

Aiden Hollis was born at Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield in November. His parents later took him back and he was referred by his GP.

But he was discharged each time despite having a 7mm hole in his heart.

In December the Royal College of Paediatrics sent the hospital trust a report following “serious incidents”.

The BBC has made a request under the Freedom of Information Act to see the report.

But so far the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, which includes Good Hope, has not revealed its contents.

Aiden was born on 19 November and taken back to Accident & Emergency on Christmas Eve after suffering poor breathing and feeding problems.

Hospital doctors identified a heart murmur and said he needed an ultrasound heart examination, but he was not given an appointment date.

Then on 11 January Aiden’s mother Hannah Roydes took him to the family GP, saying he was turning blue. Hospital doctors identified a heart murmur and said he needed an ultrasound heart examination, but he was not given an appointment date.

Then on 11 January Aiden’s mother Hannah Roydes took him to the family GP, saying he was turning blue.

Miss Roydes said the GP spoke to a paediatrician at the hospital and then sent a referral letter.

But when she arrived at the hospital Aiden was discharged as a well baby. … Continue reading