THE mother of a teenager who died just days before his 19th birthday has vowed to sue the hospital which she believes left him to suffer.

Neil Daniel died of brain abscesses at the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton, last year after suffering from severe headaches.

He had been in hospital for unrelated surgery, but his mother, Ann, said that when he complained of severe pains in his head he was only given over-the-counter painkillers.

A report into Neil's death by the NHS Independent Review Panel on behalf of the NHS Ombudsman, said a CT brain scan should have been ordered several weeks earlier to diagnose his illness.

The independent report said although the early scan would not have prevented Neil's illness, it would have "substantially alleviated his suffering".

Following the publication of the report, Mrs Daniel has announced she is planning to sue the hospital for the care her son received.

Mrs Daniel, who has another son, David, 23, and lives with her partner in Tithe Barn Road, Stockton, was disgusted at how Neil was treated.

In his last weeks he made videos and wrote diaries for his family which Mrs Daniel said show how his moods varied.

She said he would sometimes not be cleaned properly and the report into his care showed that Neil's overall care plan was incomplete in seven out of 12 key areas.

Mrs Daniel said: "I remember the last thing he ever said. I was with my sister and my mother and he said, 'You three take care,' really strongly and clearly. It was like he wanted to get the message to us."

A statement from the North Tees NHS Trust said: "We would like to say how very sorry we are to Neil's family for their upset and distress and to pass on our sympathies.

"Our staff endeavour to provide the best care possible for patients. As a result of the independent review we will be looking at the recommendations to see where we can improve the care given to our patients."