by Danny Boyle

A miracle baby died of suspected meningitis at just two weeks old because of a series of medical blunders, according to his family.

Harvey Davies was born five weeks’ premature at Darent Valley hospital on October 4 after successful fertility treatment for his parents Shelley, 21, and Dan, 22.

But his family had to make the heartbreaking decision to switch off his life-support machine on Sunday after he suffered brain damage thought to have been caused by the disease.

They are now blaming his death on a doctor’s failure to admit baby Harvey to hospital 48 hours earlier when they found him pale and having difficulty breathing.

West Kent PCT has now launched an investigation into Harvey’s death.

Harvey’s family rushed him to Darent Valley Hospital on Saturday morning when he became stiff and suffered a seizure.

He was later transferred to an intensive baby care unit at London’s St Thomas’ Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 11.15am on Sunday after staff battled in vain to save him.

Grandmother Sharon Humm, 48, of Farm Avenue, Swanley, told the Messenger: "It is the most unbearable thing to happen – I wouldn’t wish it on anybody.

"We are all absolutely devastated. Shelley collapsed on the floor at the hospital and can’t bear to hear about it or even go in the baby’s bedroom.

"Harvey was a miracle baby, but there is no miracle in our house now."

The family also claim the same doctor sent Harvey home with medicine for colic without taking his temperature.

Dr James Thallon, West Kent PCT medical director, said: "We are extremely saddened to hear of the loss of a young child and our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further on the care that was provided or try to apportion responsibility before the facts become clear, as they will in due course."

An inquest into Harvey’s death was due to open this week and is expected to be adjourned until early next year.