A DISTRESSED mum-of-two has told the Star of her horror at being 'struck off' the medical register at her health centre less than five months after discovering her 16-week-old baby had been given a mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) vaccine by mistake.

Joanne Hopwood (29), who lives in Birch Crescent, Newton, with her husband Ged and two young daughters had been a patient at Patterdale Lodge Medical Centre, Legh Street, Earlestown, for about eight years.

Earlier this month she received a letter informing her that due to a 'breakdown in the relationship between the practice and yourselves as patients, it would be in the best interests of both parties if you registered with another GP as soon as possible'.

The news has not only angered Joanne and Ged, but also many of their close friends who have witnessed the trauma and damaging effect something like this can have on individuals over a period of time.

The problems began when tiny Katie Emily Hopwood was due to have her third injection protecting against tetanus, whooping cough, polio and Meningitis C. Joanne took her baby to Patterdale Lodge on the morning of Tuesday, May 8, where an injection was administered.

However, Joanne received a phone call later that day from a practice nurse asking her to come in the next day for what Joanne thought was a check-up on her own recent chest complaint.

But when she went in, Joanne was informed that Katie had been given the MMR injection, which is recommended, only for children aged between 12 and 15 months.

Joanne, told the Star: "I am very annoyed with the way Patterdale Lodge Medical Centre have dealt with the whole issue. As a family we have lost total confidence in the health authority and I actually feel at the moment as though certain people are holding me responsible for something I knew nothing about. "Giving Katie this injection at such a young age can obviously have a number of side effects. At the moment she is fine but you never know what might happen in the future."

A spokesperson for St Helens and Knowsley Health Authority, told the Star: "Throughout the investigation process GPs and practice staff are encouraged to work closely with patients to ensure their queries and concerns are answered and reassurance is given. If patients are unhappy with the outcome of the procedure they have the right to appeal to the health authority within 28 days.

"Contact has been maintained between the practice and patient in this case, and we understand that they have endeavoured to work with the patients at every stage of the investigation.

"Unfortunately in some instances, due to a breakdown in the relationship between the patients and the practice, it is felt to be in the best interest of all concerned if an alternative GP is sought.

"Again, if any patient is unhappy with such a decision being made against them, action can be taken through the NHS complaints procedure and the health authority would be happy to provide any necessary advice or information. "St Helens and Knowsley Health Authority is sorry that Mr and Mrs Hopwood have experienced so much distress during the course of their complaint."