TODAY'S sad story about the short life and death of Samuel Wright will strike a chord with any parent who has been left worrying after the birth of a premature baby.

TODAY'S sad story about the short life and death of Samuel Wright will strike a chord with any parent who has been left worrying after the birth of a premature baby.

When any baby dies the family is bound to be left devastated and asking questions about why they have been visited by such tragedy.

Given the tragic events of the last three months it is quite understandable that they should be seeking a full explanation of the level of care given to Samuel during his all too short life.

For their sake - and the sake of all premature babies who pass through the maternity unit at Heath Road - bosses at Ipswich Hospital will have to organise a full inquiry to find out what happened and establish whether any other action could have prevented the final conclusion.

It is quite understandable that at the time their baby was fighting for life, Samuel's parents were prepared to accept the word of the specialists caring for him.

When anyone is seriously ill, there has to be a degree of trust with the medical profession.

But for that trust to develop and flourish, people must have all the information they need.

Of course the vast majority of premature babies will gain weight and strength quickly and grow up to be perfectly healthy children and adults - but families must be assured that if any problems do develop the hospital and its staff will be as open as possible about them.