Baby Died Of Suspected Meningitis

An NHS trust in Kent is investigating the death of a "miracle" baby who died of suspected meningitis just 14 days after his birth.

Harvey Davies was born five weeks prematurely and died just two-weeks later after he suffered brain damage and organ failure. West Kent NHS Primary Care Trust are now looking into his death.

Harvey was described as a "little miracle" as his mother, Shelley Humm, 21, had been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. She had previously been told she might have problems with her fertility.

The baby's family said they had found fault with the care he and his mother received when he was born, and with a GP he saw when he became ill.

Mrs Humm, 46, said: "We felt neglected from the time of birth. Harvey had mauve hands and purple feet when he was born.

"My daughter was chucked out of hospital the next day. They were saying she wanted to go home but she didn't want to."

Mrs Humm also said that midwives' notes stating Harvey was drinking up to 40ml of milk were incorrect.

They took Harvey to their local GP's surgery after they became concerned that his skin looked a "sickly yellow" colour and his breathing was laboured.

However, she said the doctor they saw told them he was suffering from colic and sent them home with a prescription and without taking his temperature. The next morning he was taken to Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford by ambulance when he became stiff and suffered a seizure.

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Jane Weakley from law firm Irwin Mitchell said: “Our thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time. We hope that the NHS trust thoroughly investigate this case to see if any lessons can be learnt.”