NEGLECTFUL nursing staff were "responsible" for a baby's death according to the tot's parents.

Caroline and Lee Foord say the verdict of an inquest into their son's death proves what they knew all along.

Baby Lee suffered a cardiac arrest when nurses failed to clean his breathing tube and left him unsupervised.

The tot, who was meant to be receiving 24-hour care, died a week later of brain damage just one day before his first birthday. An inquest found Lee's death was an accident contributed to by neglect.

The Foords, of Badgers Croft, Eltham, told News Shopper they blame staff at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, who were meant to be looking after their son.

Baby Lee had a liver transplant shortly after being born and was kept in King's College Hospital, London, for 11 months before being transferred to Queen Mary's.

Lee was there for two days before suffering a heart attack on April 14, 2001.

Mr Foord, 34, said: "Lee's tube was not cleared after 3am and he had been left alone for half an hour."

The Foords got a phone call to say their son had taken a turn for the worse but, despite being resuscitated for 40 minutes, he was brain dead.

Mrs Foord said: "I wish I had been there to clean the tube myself. We left him believing he was in the best place."

The housewife added: "I would never go back to the hospital because they failed Lee. It has left a big hole in our lives."

Builder Mr Ford said: "He was so close to coming out and it is hard to handle after all Lee had been through he choked so needlessly.

"All he needed was basic nursing care and he didn't get it."

Lee was also mourned by three brothers and a sister.

Mr Ford said: "We have made no decision but are considering legal action against Queen Mary's after the inquest verdict."

A hospital spokesman said: "Queen Mary's sincerely regrets the distress the family have suffered following the death of their son. This was a tragic event and we offer them our sincere condolences.

"The trust carried out an internal investigation and a number of changes in working practices and procedures have been implemented.

"We have improved the night shift system so all staff start and complete their period on duty at the same time ensuring a consistent and effective hand over of patient information."

April 29, 2003 13:00