Ipswich Hospital apologise after three-year-old loses legs and fingers in misdiagnosis

Reuben Harvey-Smith was taken to A&E at Ipswich Hospital after accidentally burning himself Credit: Family handout/PA Wire

Video report by ITV News Anglia's Victoria Lampard.

A three-year-old boy from Suffolk had both his legs and most of his fingers amputated after doctors at Ipswich hospital wrongly diagnosed a threatening infection as tonsillitis.

Reuben Harvey-Smith was treated at Ipswich hospital last July after burning himself and returned two days later with a fever and sore throat.

Reuben's mother Louise was told he had tonsillitis and was given antibiotics.

Reuben and his mum Louise Credit: Family handout/PA Wire

He was later diagnosed with Toxic Shock syndrome, but by then was fighting for his life.

Bacteria had infected the wound and was pumping poisonous toxins around his body.

Medics in London were forced to amputate both legs below the knee and seven fingers.

Reuben Harvey-Smith pictured after his amputation. Credit: Family handout/PA Wire

Louise later launched legal action against Ipswich hospital NHS Trust which has admitted full liability and offered an unreserved apology to Reuben and his family.

The trust has already paid out £50,000 for his immediate needs while legal proceedings continue over a final settlement.

Louise is now determined to raise awareness of Toxic Shock syndrome.