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Yard probe into overdose baby
Justin Davenport and Sophie Goodchild15 Jan 2009
GREAT Ormond Street children's hospital was today at the centre of a Scotland Yard investigation after a baby was left severely brain damaged.
Poppy Davis is fighting for her life in intensive care after receiving a huge overdose of glucose. Child abuse detectives are investigating whether the 14-day-old baby could have been given the overdose deliberately.
The hospital authorities called in police on Sunday after it became apparent something terrible had gone wrong with the baby's treatment.
Poppy has been left brain-damaged and paralysed on a life-support system. Doctors described her condition as "critical" and say her chances of survival are "poor".
Poppy was born three months prematurely in Norwich and was transferred to Great Ormond Street on Saturday for a minor operation.
Nurses were due to give her a routine dose of two to four millilitres of glucose intravenously on Sunday. But a blood check revealed she had received a dose of about 150ml - up to 75 times more than it should have been.
Sources say the dose is equivalent to only two teaspoons of sugar but is hugely harmful to a tiny baby.
Police are investigating the possibility that a junior nurse mistakenly gave the baby the overdose. They have questioned her and two other more senior staff who were responsible for supervising her.
Officers are also examining medical equipment in case it malfunctioned or had been knocked accidentally.
Great Ormond Street said it had deliberately "invited" in the police as part of hospital policy and confirmed that one possibility was the baby was harmed intentionally. A spokesman told the Standard that the hospital and investigating officers hoped to reach a finding "within the week".
He said: "We invited the police in to investigate because it's part of trust policy to involve the police and use their forensic expertise.
"The investigation is ongoing but no member of staff has been suspended. A number of possibilities are being explored including deliberate harm, accident, clinical error or a rare medical condition. We would hope to have some more guidance within the week."
Scotland Yard confirmed officers from its child abuse unit were investigating. They said: "Officers from the Met's child abuse command are investigating the circumstances surrounding a possible injury to a 14-day-old baby. There have been no arrests."
Today, Poppy's parents Carly Davies, 22, and 21 year-old David Daly, of Grays, Essex, are at her bedside as she clings to life. Poppy's grandfather Rob Davies, 47, Carly's father, told the Sun: "I'm praying she'll pull through. Carly and David are very shocked.
"They have withdrawn into themselves and are staying at the hospital. We are hoping and praying for good news."
The tragedy comes after Ms Davies suffered a miscarriage last year.
Reader views (2)
The poor little mite! Sending heartfelt prayers to Poppy and her family.
- Sarah, Enfield, 15/01/2009 16:59
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im extremely shocked !My grandson is three wks old , currently at GOSH on glucose medication(among many other meds!)This is a very streesful time for all,whilst my heart goes out to the family of poppy,i cant even imagine what they are going through , i cant help fearing for the safety of our little one !!
- Mark Kennedy, welwyn garden city hertfordshire, 15/01/2009 13:19
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