Mum asks for 'fearless' inquest into baby's death

Artemis' parents read a statement following the pre-inquest hearing

The parents of a 20-month-old baby who died at a hospital in Kent have asked a coroner for a "full and fearless inquest into what happened to him".

Artemis Sanson, from Chatham, who was born with a hole in his heart, died at Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham on 9 June.

During a pre-inquest hearing on Friday, area coroner Catherine Wood requested statements from medical staff from Medway Maritime Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas’ Hospital and the South East Coast Ambulance Service regarding Artemis' care before his death.

A four-day inquest into the baby's death is due to begin on 28 April.

'Our little warrior'

Artemis Sanson died on 9 June

The coroner agreed to a request by Artemis' parents for an independent expert to inspect the care he received.

The parents gave a statement following the hearing at Oakwood House in Maidstone.

"Arty was and will always be our little warrior," said his mother, Storm Sanson.

"In the face of every frightening thing he's ever encountered, he always did so with a cheeky smile.

"We will forever be grateful to have been blessed with his strength, kindness and mischief."

She added the family had been "devastated by the loss of Arty".

"We trust the coroner to conduct a full and fearless inquest into what happened to him.

"This review is part of an important process that will help us better understand what happened on the day that Arty died.

"We hope that the inquest will provide clarity and that lessons are learned so that other families are spared the terrible grief that we've been through."