A MOTHER claims she was made to feel like a criminal by hospital medics after her toddler son fell over and bumped his head.

Danielle Rawes was told the police would be called if she left Furness General Hospital during a two-day ordeal which saw 14-month-old Kobey-Lee undergo a CT scan and 21 X-rays to check for deliberate injuries.

Miss Rawes, from Millom, described her horror as a doctor summoned social workers to a routine outpatient appointment for her tot because of a bruise to his forehead and face – sustained when he fell over on his grandparents' sloping driveway.

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The 22-year-old said she feared little Kobey-Lee would be taken into care when doctors said the police would be called if she tried to leave the Dalton Lane hospital to go home.

Miss Rawes added: "I was devastated to be treated like I'd hurt Kobey when I hadn't done anything. Really gutted.

"I understand they have got a job to do but the way they dealt with it was awful."

During his stay on the children's ward, medics sedated the youngster so they could undertake a CT scan and X-rays of his entire body as they searched for injuries.

He also had blood taken and was observed by staff while Ms Rawes, Kobey-Lee's father Jamie Harvey and other members of the family were police checked.

The little boy, who began walking just eight weeks ago, was allowed to go home after all his tests were returned clear.

Joan Rawes, Kobey-Lee's grandmother, said the situation had been a nightmare for the entire family.

They have since sought advice from a solicitor over the situation.

"It's fair enough that the hospital makes sure children are OK if they spot an injury, but the way they handled the situation was absolutely appalling," Mrs Rawes said.

"Danielle was made to feel like a criminal and no-one explained what was going on.

"We all absolutely adore Kobey. It's been awful."

Sue Smith, executive chief nurse at the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, the organisation that runs FGH, said: "On behalf of the trust, I’d like to sincerely apologise to Kobey-Lee’s mother for any distress

caused.

"To protect patients when any safeguarding concerns are raised, it is standard practice for staff to follow the trust’s safeguarding policy and appropriately investigate the concerns.

"While we appreciate this may have caused additional distress, our staff did follow the correct and appropriate procedures.

"That said, we are committed to

ensuring patients and their families are treated with dignity and respect at all times, and I can only apologise if Kobey-Lee’s mother felt this wasn’t the case.

"We would be keen to speak to the family directly so we can discuss the matter in full, answer any questions they may have, and share any learning with our teams too."