THE mother of an eight-month-old girl who needs special injections to help prevent her catching a potentially-fatal chest bug has thanked the doctor responsible for getting the vital drug approved.o

Destiny Reid was born ten-and-a half weeks prematurely in the special care baby unit at Harlow's Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Owing to breathing problems she was put on a ventilator but developed chronic lung disease, meaning she has to use a nebuliser at home. Because of the condition, Destiny is more at risk of catching bronchitis which, because of her weak lungs, could be potentially fatal.

She is more at risk during the winter months, between October and March, but the monthly ISV injections give her a better chance of fighting bronchitis.

Her mother, Amanda, of Margrave Gardens, Bishop's Stortford, said: "Because Destiny's on the oxygen at home she's more vulnerable to catching the bronchitis bug, especially during the winter. The injections would build up her immune system to fight the bug if she catches it but without them she would have a much lower chance of surviving."

Mrs Reid and consultant Dr Elmo Thambpallai have been fighting North Essex Health Authority to approve the injections. Initially it refused approval on the basis there was not enough evidence to suggest they work.

Mrs Reid said: "The health authority would not approve the injections because they said it was too expensive and there was not enough evidence that they did anything. But Dr Elmo has really done his homework and for the last year has gathered enough evidence to show the injections work and do make a difference."

The injections, which cost about £400 a time, were finally approved last week.

Mrs Reid said: "Dr Elmo has gone to so many meetings to try to get this decision overturned because he knew how important it was and he really has fought for something he believed was necessary.

"I just wanted people to know how very hard he has worked for Destiny and all the other babies who need this injection. He needs to be recognised for what he has done, by both parents and the hospital.

"He has done a really good job and gone beyond the call of duty. I would really like to say a big thank you to him and his staff for all their support.

"At the end of the day doctors should not have to pressure people to try and get a drug that can save lives."

Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust spokesman Mark Purcell said: "This matter has been considered by the trust and it has decided that the consultant can go ahead with a trial for six patients.

"We have squared it with the health authority and we are going to move forward with this case. The patients come first and we want to see if this trial will actually work.

"The trial will help to provide evidence that will show these injections are beneficial as well as helping one of our consultants establish good practice.

"If the injections do work then the patients will not have to spend so much time in hospital, which is good for both them and the hospital."

December 6, 2001 9:15