Baby mix-up hospital says 'sorry'

One of the babies was breast-fed by the wrong mother and had to undergo a number of checks, including an HIV test.

The mistake happened at Nottinghamshire's Bassetlaw Hospital late last year. It is believed a member of staff at the hospital - or one of their relatives - blew the whistle after the hospital's maternity unit received an "excellent" rating from the Healthcare Commission.

The hospital, which is in Worksop, has now apologised to the mothers, one of whom is believed to be Polish. The other is thought to be a local woman.

The error happened after the babies were separated from their mothers for an unknown reason. When the babies were returned to the mothers they were accidentally swapped before staff realised the mistake.

The hospital said babies would not be separated from their mothers unless it was absolutely necessary.

Managers at the Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have now apologised to the two families involved in the switch.

A spokesman for the trust said: "We can confirm that there was a most unfortunate, isolated incident in which two babies were mistakenly given to the wrong mothers for a brief time.

"Although every baby has an identification band, it is apparent that these were not checked properly with the result that babies were not given to their own mothers and one child was fed once.

"This incident is the subject of appropriate action with the staff involved. Both mothers have had an apology and a full explanation."