Yesterday, an investigation revealed that a toddler who suffered from meningitis could have been saved if there would have been better communication among the hospital staff.

In May, Leicester Royal Infirmary took more than eight hours to diagnose 22-month-old Oliver Martin.

He was exhibiting many symptoms of meningitis, including a rash that vanished when pressed, high temperature, pale complexion and lethargy.

But the first doctor who examined Oliver thought he was suffering from chicken pox.

He was then examined by four other doctors, but was not given any antibiotics until eight-and-a half hours after his arrival at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.

It was too late by then, and Oliver died of meningococcal septicaemia, a type of blood poisoning caused by the same bacteria as meningitis.

Oliver's mother, Louise Martin, 27, was too disturbed to attend the investigation at Leicester Town Hall.

Leicester City Coroner, Catherine Mason blamed "poor" communication between staff for delaying possibly lifesaving treatment.

She added, "Had earlier treatment been given Oliver may still have died, but on the balance of probabilities his chances of survival would have been better".

Kevin Harris, the Medical Director at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust said, "We would like to express our sincere condolences to his family for the upset and distress".