The family of a new father whose 12 week-premature daughter is in a special baby care unit in the Dominican Republic say they have been touched by people’s kindness in donating money for her healthcare.

Dan Compton’s partner Sharon Halls gave birth to Evie who weighs just 2lb 10oz while in the country for a friend’s wedding.

However the pair, who are from Ipswich, have been left alarmed by the levels of sanitation at the hospital.

They moved there after first being taken to a private hospital which although better was costing $2,500 a day for Evie’s care alone.

The couple have become concerned over the status of their medical insurance which they took out with Holidaysafe, the trading name of Infinity Insurance Solutions (IIS).

Their family and friends have helped set up a fund to raise money for Evie’s care and their eventual return home. Thousands of people have contributed.

However, IIS has insisted it is doing everything it can to help Evie and her parents and is concerned over some alleged issues which have been reported.

An IIS spokesman said: “This has been a distressing case for the parents, Sharon Halls and Daniel Compton, especially as this is their first child.

“We always take seriously the needs of our customers and especially in a case such as this which involves the welfare of a premature baby. We have tried to assist the family in very difficult circumstances, in a country where hospital facilities and medical care can be inconsistent.

“The medical assistance team involved have been in constant contact with the family since the birth of their daughter Evie and the insurer has indicated that it will seek to reimburse the family’s costs.

“Reports that there is an issue with time zone differences and this has in some way affected the coverage of the policy are not correct. We are confused as to why this has become central to the stories in the press.

“Sadly, in situations where a premature birth has occurred abroad, finding the right medical facility and medical expertise can be challenging. Repatriating a premature baby also has risks due to under-developed lungs which means flying at this time is not an option.

“At no point has IIS been involved in the transfer of Evie from one clinic to another, or been asked for opinions on the hospital or clinics at which she has been treated.

“Evie’s parents have been deprived access to various facilities because of the actions of the original medical facilities. In all our dealings with the family, they have seemed satisfied with the service they have received and it has been very surprising to read these reports in the press.

“The chief medical officer’s opinion is that, if baby Evie’s progress continues, she and her parents will be able to return to the UK some time next month. We remain in daily contact with the immediate family to discuss Evie’s medical needs and the families accommodation arrangements. We will repatriate the family back to the UK once it is completely safe for Evie to travel.”

Baby Evie has been released from hospital and should be home by Christmas - see update and new photos here