Fresh inquiry ordered over death of baby Kyle

Walsall Manor's chief executive Richard Kirby has launched the new inquiry into treatment of Kyle Keen.

Kyle was just 16 months old when he was admitted to Walsall Manor Hospital in June 2006 with a brain bleed.

He had been shaken by his stepfather Tyrone Matthews who was later sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison for manslaughter. The hospital was criticised in a serious case review in 2009 after it emerged a week before the baby's death, nurses and a junior doctor spotted suspicious bruises on his body.

They had wanted to refer the matter to social services but under the instruction of a consultant no report was issued.

Mr Kirby has now announced a new review will be undertaken.

Kyle's natural father, Robert Keen, who was also suspicious about the bruising, was not made aware of any failings at the time.

But in a letter to Mr Keen, hospital chief executive Richard Kirby, who was not at the helm at the time, said it was standard practice for the full report to be held by the safeguarding board.

Mr Kirby said: "We will be undertaking a further review of this tragic case to ensure that we all understand how this incident was dealt with and whether there are any further lessons for us to learn."

As part of the latest review, an independent team is set to consider whether the hospital was sufficiently open and transparent.

Mr Kirby is also concerned that information was not shared with Mr Keen.

Matthews, of Dale Street, Palfrey, had a history of violence towards Kyle and the boy's mother Kerry Mackintosh.

The baby was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital on June 29, 2006 but was transferred to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire in Stoke where he died the following day.

Matthews, then aged 25, denied murder but admitted the lesser charge of manslaughter. McIntosh, then aged 21, of Hatherton Street, Butts, admitted cruelty by neglect.