HOSPITAL officials have defended a decision not to carry out an immediate blood transfusion on a five-year-old girl.

Lauren Hall was born with a rare blood condition which means she needs a transfusion every four weeks and drug treatment at home six days a week.

The condition, called Diamond Blackfan Anaemia, means her bone marrow does not produce red blood cells, which transport oxygen through the body and clean the blood of toxins.

Lauren had not been expected to require a transfusion until next Wednesday, but when her condition started to decline during the weekend her mother, Amanda Grier, took her to Bishop Auckland General Hospital on Tuesday.

Tests revealed that haemoglobin levels in Lauren's blood had fallen, but it was decided not to treat her until her usual consultant paediatrician returned to work.

Mrs Grier, 28, of Greenfields Road, Bishop Auckland, said: "I'm Lauren's mum and full-time carer so I know when she needs new blood.

"She's been pale, tired and sickly. Her blood count has never been so low since she was born.

"The doctor on duty wouldn't do the transfusion as it was too distressing, because Lauren gets so frightened and is difficult to calm down while locating a vein."

Lauren's grandmother, Ann Sephton, said: "There are fewer than 700 sufferers world-wide so the threat of delayed treatment is not fully known.

"Lauren has a short life expectancy, gets very weak and tired, is prone to infections and there is a high risk of organ failure.

"Every effort should have been made to treat her immediately."

A hospital spokesman said: "Lauren's well-being is our main concern and we are sorry that Mrs Grier and her family are not happy with her care.

"A consultant paediatrician met with Lauren and her family to discuss their concerns and to reassure them about her treatment."

Lauren was expected to receive a blood transfusion yesterday.