THE parents of Lydia Cross, the two-and-a-half-year-old who had both feet amputated after suffering from a rare bacterial infection, are considering taking legal action, after claiming Chippenham Hospital failed to recognise the seriousness of their daughter's condition for three whole days.

Tony and Jody Cross from Chippenham, are currently at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol, where Lydia has undergone surgery to remove both her legs, below the knee.

They say that despite repeated visits to Chippenham Hospital in September, staff failed to refer their daughter for the specialist treatment she needed.

Mr and Mrs Cross said they first took Lydia to Chippenham Hospital in September with a temperature of 106 degrees.

The child was also suffering from hallucinations and serious vomiting and they were worried because their babysitter had recently suffered from meningitis.

But despite taking her to the hospital for two consecutive days, she was not referred to a specialist children's unit for three days, until the Monday.

It was then that she developed a rare bacterial complication, which caused her feet to turn so septic that they had to be amputated.

The couple said they had been devastated to see their daughter have to undergo such a major operation, but hope to have Lydia back home during the Christmas holidays.

Meanwhile, it has emerged there is to be an official inquiry into her case.

The Primary Care Trust for Kennet and North Wiltshire, which oversees health care in the area, is launching an investigation.

A spokesman said: "The Chippenham out-of-hours co-operative are currently using facilities at Chippenham Hospital to see patients outside of normal surgery hours.

"Kennet and North Wiltshire PCT and the out-of-hours co-operatives around the county, work very closely together to provide out-of-hours primary care to the area.

"The co-operative is independent of the PCT, but is supported by the PCT to provide the out-of-hours service.

"The hospital at Chippenham is staffed by GPs in a co-operative."

The PCT's acting chief executive Stephen Golledge added: "Our thoughts are now with this child and her family, with our efforts focused on making sure that they receive the treatment and support that they now require.

"The PCT will be working with the co-operative to fully investigate this case."

Mr and Mrs Cross said their daughter was doing very well after the operation. Apparently the amputation, just below the knee should enable Lydia to have good mobility with the use of false limbs.