POLICE, investigating the damage of drip bags at Basildon hospital, have revealed they are probing the death of a toddler.

It is understood the tot's death is being looked at in connection with the puncturing of around 12 intravenous fluid bags, used to feed patients and administer them drugs, have been punctured.

Officers were at the hospital yesterday speaking to clinical staff, including nurses, pharmacists and drug technicians.

It is understood some of their inquiries were carried out in the hospital’s Wagtail and Puffin’s children’s ward.

Helen Cook, spokeswoman for Essex Police, said the investigation was in its early stages and police could not be drawn on whether anyone had suffered an injury or illness connected with their enquiries.

She said officers were called to the hospital at 9.30pm on Sunday by medical staff.

Mrs Cook said: “Police were called to the hospital to investigate the possibility that medical equipment had been tampered with.

“Our enquiries are continuing but we are carrying out a thorough investigation and we are not ruling anything in or out.”

Pat Trinnaman, spokeswoman for Basildon Hospital, said staff were working alongside police.

She said: “The hospital immediately took all necessary steps to ensure patient safety.”

HOSPITAL'S LETTER TO PARENTS THE hospital’s chief executive, Alan Whittle, yesterday issued a letter to parents of children on paediatric wards in a bid to allay fears.

It read: “There is currently a police investigation under way on the Children’s Unit.

“I want to reassure you that your child’s treatment on the unit will not be affected in any way, and the work of the unit will continue as normal while the investigation is conducted.

“Clearly, you may be concerned by what is going on or by what you have read in the media, so I want to give you the facts.

“On Sunday, April 19, staff on the unit discovered damage to bags of intravenous fluid in a store room. We were concerned because the damage appeared to be deliberate, and therefore called in Essex Police to investigate.

“We are working closely with the police and together we have taken all necessary steps to ensure patient safety. The store room was immediately sealed off for forensic examination. Police are interviewing staff and reviewing CCTV footage.

“As a precaution, all stocks of intravenous fluids elsewhere in the hospital have been checked by pharmacy staff. Our policy requires all individual bags to be always visually and manually checked by staff before use. Any that are wet or not clear are instantly discarded. Staff are being particularly vigilant at this time and strengthening these checks.

“We have increased security on the children’s unit. You can help by keeping the number of visitors to no more than two at any one time.

“If you have specific concerns or require information, please contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (01268 598536 or pals@btuh.nhs.uk).”