A grandfather today accused hospital staff of having “no compassion” after his critically ill daughter was separated from her newborn son.

IPSWICH: A grandfather today accused hospital staff of having “no compassion” after his critically ill daughter was separated from her newborn son.

On December 18, a pregnant Connie Dowsing, 21, was rushed to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge after she reported to doctors in Ipswich that she was suffering from painful headaches.

Worries over Miss Dowsing's health developed after it was revealed that five years earlier her mother had died of an aneurysm.

On her arrival to Addenbrooke's, it was discovered that Miss Dowsing was suffering from a leaking aneurysm in her brain and was told that an emergency caesarean and brain operation was required.

Later that day, baby Denelo was born, but his mother didn't get to see him until two days later when she was showing signs of recovery.

However, Miss Dowsing's father, Leo, was angered by staff after being told that the newborn child had to be taken home to Ipswich - rather than stay with his mother.

Mr Dowsing, 54, of Fishbane Close, said: “The whole thing became like a war.

“They forced the baby to come and stay with me while my daughter remains in hospital - she begged them to let the baby stay.

“One of my main concerns is that she'll get post-natal depression from being apart from the baby - she has just had a serious brain operation and I believe that she needs something to focus on.

“I am eternally grateful to the staff for saving her life but some showed no compassion for keeping mother and baby together.”

A spokesman for Addenbrooke's Hospital said: "The best place for a newborn, healthy baby is at home where they can begin bonding with their family.

“It would not be appropriate to keep a newborn baby here if they were not unwell.

"We provide a caring environment for new babies and their parents and make sure support is available to families when they return home."

Should the baby have been allowed to stay with his mum? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk