WHIPPS Cross Hospital has promised to look at ways of improving its treatment of disabled youngsters in the wake of the death of a smiling six-year-old.

Happy little Woodford Green pupil Lorenzo Brown died suddenly on January 12 after being struck down by pneumonia and septicaemia.

Lorenzo, from Chingford, had been born with cerebral palsy and was regularly in and out of the hospital.

His grandmother, Margaret Brown, said the family were not unhappy with the care given to Lorenzo by the hospital, but that improvements could be made.

She has now been invited to sit on a panel which will determine how the care of disabled children can be bettered.

Mrs Brown said she was pleased that something positive had come out of Lorenzo's tragic and unexpected death.

His parents Gary, 42, Emma, 31, and their three other children Shakira, five, Elyssia, four, and Louis, eight months are still reeling from the sudden loss of Lorenzo, who is remembered by everyone for his cheeky giggle and smile.

On the day of his death, Emma woke her son and noticed he wasn't himself. Within half an hour he was gasping for breath and Emma phoned for an ambulance.

Staff at Whipps battled to save him and called in a specialist team from Great Ormond Street Hospital to help. But by 4pm, Lorenzo had died.

It is thought he developed cerebral palsy after suffering a stroke at birth. He was unable to talk or walk, but nothing stopped him from loving life.

His 'nanna', Margaret Brown, who saw her grandson every day, said he had a mischievous laugh that everyone commented on.

She said: "Around Christmas time when it was snowing, Lorenzo's school bus skidded on some ice and had a minor accident. The driver, Dennis, said all he could hear was Lorenzo giggling."

Lorenzo went to school at Brookfield House, Woodford Green. The head of primary, Judith Jones, said: "Lorenzo was a very happy boy. He laughed a lot and loved to know what was going on. We miss him a great deal. He was a superstar."

Mrs Brown, a bereavement counsellor, said positive things had come out of the tragedy and the family wished to thank everyone who had cared for Lorenzo during his life, and supported them.

A hospital spokesman said: "Lorenzo's face was well known at Whipps Cross and our staff were always happy to see his smile. News of his death was received with extreme sadness.

"Although his family were happy with some aspects of his care they did highlight areas where improvements could be made.

"We are very pleased that his grandmother has accepted our invitation to work with us in making improvements in these areas."

Mourners at Lorenzo's funeral donated £700, which will be given to the Rose Walton Centre for disabled children in South Woodford, which Lorenzo attended.

January 30, 2003 11:31