The parents of a twin boy who died from a common bacterial infection are calling for independent experts to examine what action was taken by medics when he fell ill.

Archie Powell became unwell shortly after his birth at the QEQM in Margate and tragically died four days later from sepsis caused by group B streptococcus, a bacteria which can make babies seriously ill unless treated quickly.

It was initially thought he had a bowel problem but Archie, born at a healthy 6lbs 1.5oz in February 2019 and with a twin sister Evalene, deteriorated rapidly and suffered severe brain damage.

He died after being transferred to the Evelina Hospital in London, with his parents Dawn and Kevin, from Margate, left devastated.

An internal East Kent Hospitals investigation, looking at whether there was a delay in spotting he had contracted group B strep, found his death was “potentially avoidable”.

An inquest is due to be held next spring and at a pre-inquest review, held at Archbishop’s Palace in Maidstone on Friday, the family’s barrister Rose Harvey-Sullivan said the anti-natal and peri-natal care needed to be looked at, as well as the issue of screening.

Group B strep, a bacteria commonly found in pregnant women which, in rare cases, can spread to the baby, is not routinely tested for but can be found during tests carried out for other reasons.

Ms Harvey-Sullivan said all the staff involved in Archie’s care had been asked to give statements for the inquest but says the family would also like independent experts - a neonatologist and microbiologist - to provide evidence.

She said: “The neonatologist would be able to give a clear indication about what action should have been taken at what stage and what outcome that would have had.

“The microbiologist could provide information on when the infection became so serious there was nothing more to be done.”

Hours after Archie was born, he started making grunting noises, a symptom associated with respiratory distress which can be caused by group B strep.

He was moved to special care and then transferred to London where medics found he had contracted the bacterial infection and had sepsis.

A scan showed the tot had little brain activity and his heartbroken parents had to make the decision to switch off his life-support machine on February 14.

Coroner Catherine Wood said a full inquest into his death would be held in the spring.

Mrs Powell, who has four daughters, including Archie’s twin sister, previously told KentOnline: “It was a shock to find out we were having twins in the first place, then you go through all the joy and you have all these plans in your mind, but then it all gets taken away.”

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