THE BOLTON baby who had to be taken on a two and a half hour trip to Nottingham for a hospital bed is now home. Ross Hindry is back with his family after the nightmare ordeal on New Year's Eve. The six-week-old baby had to be transferred from Bolton General Hospital to Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre because Bolton did not have the necessary long-term specialist care.

No beds were available in hospitals near Bolton and Ross, who was desperately ill, was taken on the 85-mile trip by ambulance with his parents, Joanne and Ross, following by car.

"We didn't speak all the way there. We didn't know what to think," said Mrs Hindry, 27.

Nurses at the Nottingham hospital feared baby Ross would not survive and took two photographs of him for his parents, who live in Howcroft Close, Bolton.

"They told us afterwards that they didn't think he would pull through," said 41-year-old Mr Hindry.

But, despite suffering from a severe bronchial condition, bronchiolitis, Ross did pull through.

"I just keep smiling. I can't believe he is really here with us. I don't even mind him crying, it's just wonderful to hear him," said Mrs Hindry, who had to watch her tiny son fighting for his life in the intensive care unit.

Bolton General Hospital has provided the Hindrys with a respiration monitor to ensure they can keep an eye on his breathing.

"It is reassuring for me. I don't think I would be able to sleep without it," said Mrs Hindry.

The couple, who have a two-year-old daughter, Bethany, have nothing but praise for the staff at both Bolton General, especially Dr Roger Watt, and the staff at the Queen's Medical Centre.

"The staff have been marvellous. We cannot thank them enough," said Mr Hindry.

But he added that he planned to speak to Bolton North-east MP Peter Thurnham, who had already expressed his concern about the situation.

"Obviously our main concern was for our son's health and we are just relieved he is back home with us.

"But I intend to pursue the matter further. I am not happy about what has happened.

"This situation is arising time and time again and something has to be done.

"Every year there is an epidemic of some kind and provision should be made for that," said Mr Hindry.

Now the family is getting used to being together again. "It is just like having a brand new baby all over again," said Mrs Hindry.

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