'It is heartbreaking' - Black Country mother devastated after baby dies less than a day after being sent home by doctor

Emma George says the out-of-hours doctor at the centre at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley did not carry out a proper physical examination on baby Felicity.

After the baby's temperature was checked, the 24-year-old says she was told 'you look like a sensible mother bring her back tomorrow if she is any worse'.

But 12 hours later, Mrs George and husband Lee, 29, woke up at her home in Brierley Hill to find Felicity had turned blue and was not breathing.

Mrs George went to hospital with her in an ambulance, but she was later pronounced dead from sepsis.

Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group has offered condolences to the family and said it is investigating the incident, but would not comment further.

Mrs George said: "Felicity was unwell so I took her to the urgent care centre - but the doctor carried out no thorough checks.

"He told me there was a six-hour wait at A&E.

"He said 'You look like a sensible mother, if she gets any worse bring her back tomorrow'.

"So we went home.

"In the morning I woke up and found she had turned blue and was not breathing.

"We rushed her to A&E. They stopped trying to resuscitate her at 7.50am.

"It is heartbreaking, we feel completely let down by the doctor and do not know where to turn."

As well as complaining to the CCG, the family is also raising money for an operation to reverse a vasectomy Lee underwent in January - two months before Felicity was born.

They need £3,500 to pay for the operation and have started an online fundraiser, which has so far raised almost £1,500.

Mrs George, who grew up in Halesowen, said: "We'll never replace Felicity, but we just want her to be a big sister.

"We have contacted our GP, but have been told only in exceptional circumstances can it be paid for on the NHS.

"Like most people, we don't have £3,500 lying in our bank account."

The couple have three boys, a seven-year-old from Mr George's previous relationship, a four-year-old from Mrs George's previous relationship along with a two-year-old together.

Mrs George said: "We are amazed by the support we've had so far.

"I thought it was something which would raise £20, I didn't expect so many people to get behind us, maybe it is because what has happened.

"It makes you realise there are alot of good people out there."

Laura Broster, director of communication and public insight at Dudley CCG, said: "We would like to offer our condolences to Mrs George and her family.

"The complaints raised by the family are currently being investigated by Dudley CCG on behalf of the family and it would not be appropriate for us to comment any further."

To donate to the family appeal, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/emma-george