Reuben Harvey-Smith is one of the bravest three year olds you could possibly meet.
In his short life he’s already fallen victim to a huge hospital mistake which saw both his legs and most of his fingers amputated.
Doctors mistook a life-threatening infection for tonsillitis, and nearly died as a result.
Despite this, his mum has labelled him Mr Positive, and said she is amazed with his good nature and response to his misfortune.
Reuben was taken to Ipswich Hospital in July last year after accidentally burning himself.
Two days later his mum Louise had to take him back because he was suffering with fever and a sore throat.
The youngster was given antibiotics and told he had tonsillitis, but the following day he was fighting for his life.
He was later diagnosed with toxic shock syndrome, an infection caused by bacteria entering the wound.
As well as having both legs amputated below the knee, Reuben also lost seven fingers.
The hospital has admitted that the amputations could have been avoided if the initial diagnosis was correct and Reuben had been given the right treatment.
Louise, from Chelmondiston, near Ipswich in Suffolk, said she was amazed by his response.
She said: ‘He came round from the operation and the first thing he did was ask for ‘mummy cuddles’ and his dinner.
‘He looked at his amputated legs and said “poorly feet gone, get new ones”.
‘He just accepts it and gets on with things. He never gets frustrated.
‘I try not to waste energy getting angry because at the end of the day I’ve still got my son, but what I have got to do now is make sure it doesn’t happen to anyone else.’
Thinking her son had been misdiagnosed, Reuben’s worried mother rang the burns unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for a second opinion.
Doctors immediately suspected toxic shock.
He was treated at at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London.
Describing the infection, Louise – who had launched legal action against Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust – said: ‘It is extremely rare, but it can be life-threatening and it’s just getting people to think because it’s something that can progress so quickly, but if caught early can lead to a full recovery.’
And her lawyer, Tim Deeming, said: ‘Reuben has life changing injuries as the team made the wrong diagnosis in suspecting a throat infection.
‘It is extremely concerning they were aware of the link between burns and toxic shock, yet didn’t consider this for Reuben’s case.’
Reuben’s family is now fundraising for better prosthetic legs so Reuben can get around more easily.
Louise said each pair cost around £6,000 and they needed to be replaced twice per year.
What is toxic shock syndrome?
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but life-threatening bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria.
These bacteria normally live harmlessly on the skin, nose or mouth but can invade the body’s bloodstream and release poisonous toxins.
The toxins also damage tissue, including skin and organs, and can disturb many vital organ functions.
(Source: NHS)
The NHS trust has made an interim payment of £50,000 while legal proceedings continue over a final settlement.
A spokesman for Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust said: ‘In an ongoing legal case the trust has admitted full liability for shortcomings in the A&E care provided to Reuben in July 2015 and have offered an unreserved apology to Reuben and his family.
‘We are now working with the family to ensure that lessons are learnt from Reuben’s case and further training has been provided to A&E staff on recognising the warning signs of septic shock syndrome.
‘The trust is committed to ensuring that Reuben is appropriately compensated so that he has the care, prostheses and equipment that he needs throughout his life.
‘Some funds have already been allocated for Reuben’s immediate needs while the parties work towards settlement of the claim.’
