By Juliette MaxamAN MP has praised medical staff involved in the care of his newborn baby who had to be taken back into hospital for emergency surgery.

By Juliette Maxam

AN MP has praised medical staff involved in the care of his newborn baby who had to be taken back into hospital for emergency surgery.

Joseph Henderson, son of Harwich MP Ivan Henderson and his wife Jo, suffered a twisted bowel just one day after being allowed home from hospital.

The baby was taken by emergency ambulance from Colchester General Hospital to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, where surgeons mended the baby's bowel and removed his appendix. He should make a full recovery.

Mr Henderson, now enjoying his son's first week at home, said: “We were really pleased from start to finish with the help, advice and service we had.”

Joseph Henderson was born on June 20 at Colchester General Hospital's maternity unit, weighing 9lb 7.5oz.

He is Mrs Henderson's first child, while Mr Henderson, 46, has two grown-up children from a previous marriage and one grandchild.

But the drama started for the family, who live in Dovercourt, when Joseph became sleepy and lethargic and started projectile vomiting.

Mrs Henderson rang up Harwich Hospital's maternity unit, where midwives told her to bring little Joseph in and to bring a bag as he would probably need to go to Colchester.

The family were sent to Colchester General Hospital, where doctors took an x-ray and then arranged for the baby to be admitted to Great Ormond Street Hospital for an emergency operation. Doctors said it was vital to do the operation quickly to avoid complications.

Mr Henderson went up to London in the ambulance with Joseph and a nurse, while Mrs Henderson followed with her father.

“We realise we are lucky to have places like Great Ormond Street Hospital, to have such expertise and professionals around to be able to deal with cases like this,” he said.

“It's an excellent hospital too for parents. They're very supportive, they welcome parents to stay by the baby's side. We stayed with Joseph from morning to late at night and stayed a few nights.”

Mrs Henderson added the midwives at Harwich Hospital's maternity unit had also been good to them.

“I'd say to anyone else, any mother, if you're concerned about anything, don't feel that you're being a paranoid mother, get it checked out. Go with your motherly instinct,” she said.

Mr Henderson thanked everyone for their concern and support. “Local people have been excellent. I can't thank them enough for their good wishes and support,” he said.

juliette.maxam@eadt.co.uk