TWO nurses at the Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, have been suspended while a major inquiry into the death of an 18-month-old boy continues.
Jake McGeough died in July, three days after being admitted to the hospital by his parents, Keira McGeough and Wayne Knight, with what they thought was a chest infection.
He had been transferred from Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn.
His death has prompted a major investigation involving Merseyside Police and the Liverpool coroner. Hospital bosses have launched their own internal inquiry and it has been revealed that two nurses have been suspended.
It is thought they were suspended immediately. After Jake's death, the Royal Liverpool Children's NHS Trust issued the following statement: "The Trust can confirm that the death of a child at Alder Hey has been referred to HM Coroner. The hospital is also conducting its own internal inquiry. For reasons of patient confidentiality we are unable to comment further."
Today, a spokesman said the matter was still with the coroner and could not comment. But it is understood that the two nurses will remain suspended until a full inquest is heard.
Liverpool coroner Andre Rebello, opened and adjourned an inquest in August so Jake could finally be laid to rest -- six weeks after his death. His parents, of Leicester Road, Blackburn, buried Jake at Pleasington Cemetery after a service at St Joseph's RC Church, in Audley Range. Another inquest is planned for November 5.
Two post mortem examinations into what killed Jake have proved inconclusive and it is believed further tests have been carried out on Jake.
His mum said: "I just want to get it all over and done with now and find out what happened. Hopefully, something good will come out of all this."
She and Wayne have instructed solicitor Kieran O'Connor, of Farleys, to take legal action and seek damages from the hospital if appropriate.
Mr O'Connor said today: "I am aware that the nurses have been suspended but don't have any further information at this stage."
Jake, who had two sisters, Nicole and Danielle, and a brother Wayne, was buried alongside his favourite comfort blanket and a selection of his favourite teddy bears.
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