THE proud parents of a “thriving” 19-month-old boy with a lot to thank Dorset County Hospital for have hit out at plans to transfer services to the east of the county.

When Leanne Waldron and Matt Merton welcomed their son Jack into the world initially he appeared to be in perfect health.

But after two weeks he began screaming and initially it was put down to a milk intolerance.

He was put on a lactose-free diet but that did not work so he was diagnosed with colic.

Mum Leanne, 23, said: “We tried to manage. But as soon as he turned five-and-a-half weeks old he fell asleep in the bath, which was not like him and first we put it down to him being tired and put him to bed.

“When he woke for a feed around 1.30am he was all floppy – that’s when the alarm bells began to ring.

“We made our way to A&E with him and was seen straight away.

“After checking all his vital signs the lady was concerned so she contacted the Kingfisher Ward and told us to go straight up to them.

“When we got there a consultant was waiting and did done some tests.

“At 5.30am we finally found out the problem. He had a water infection and was admitted to the ward, he had to have IV antibiotics and was monitored very closely.

“After a few days we were able to take Jack home with oral antibiotics but he had to see another consultant to see if there was any damage to his kidneys.

“Thankfully it was caught in time and there was no damage.”

Leanne and Matt, from Weymouth, says Jack is doing well now but the situation could have been so different were it not for the amazing care they received at the Dorchester hospital.

Leanne said: “Now Jack is 19 months old and is thriving.

“If it wasn’t for the Kingfisher Ward Jack would have of been in a worse condition.”

She said she hoped her story can help shows if that if the Kingfisher Ward was not where it is now more children would have to travel further and it could have devastating results in cases when time is of the essence.

Leanne said: “I dread to think what could happen.”

Leanne said she was hoping to join campaigners as they march through Dorchester in a show of support for the hospital’s services on Saturday, December 12.

The campaigners will be meeting at the Top O’Town car park from 11am before setting off at 11.30am.