by Gerry Warren

Battling baby George Keen who was struck down with E.coli meningitis is continuing to make steady progress in a London hospital.

His plight was featured in last week’s Gazette when we revealed how his parents believed a vital opportunity was missed to diagnose the illness.

It has resulted in the East Kent Hospitals Trust launching a full investigation into the care he received at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

Mum Michelle Hayman, of Shipman Avenue, Canterbury, is still with her 11-week-old son at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington where he is being treated with antibiotics.

An MRI scan has revealed some brain damage which may have affected his sight and hearing. But the full extent of any disability is too early to determine.

George contracted the infection shortly after birth which was treated and he was given the all clear.

But when his parents took him back to hospital after he became ill again 10 days later, they were told not to worry because it was simply a 'feeding issue’.

When his condition deteriorated they again contacted the hospital only to be told not to worry.

But they later took him to the William Harvey where a doctor quickly diagnosed the deadly infection and he was rushed to the London hospital for specialist treatment.

Michelle and her partner Jarno Keen believe a crucial 24 hours was lost in diagnosing E.coli meningitis.

But speaking to the Gazette this week, she said: “He’s a different baby this week and making good progress although he’s still on antibiotics to ensure he’s completely clear of the infection.

“I’ve been able to take him out in his buggy but there are definite signs he has some sight and hearing problems.”

She added: “The doctor from the William Harvey who diagnosed the infection has called a couple of times to check his progress, which is nice.

“I am also told that he will be returned to Padua Ward in Ashford, perhaps by the end of the week.

“It will be nice to get back home because it is my other son’s seventh birthday on Monday.

“It’s also been encouraging to get support from other mums who have contacted me through Facebook.”