A couple from Dartford say they are seeking £100,000 compensation because an injection by a trainee nurse left their son disabled.

The News Shopper reported two years ago how Danny Wilkinson, who is now seven, was left with autism following the controversial measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) injection at West Hill health centre in 1995.

His parents, Susan Archer and Mark Wilkinson, both aged 28, of Larch Road, insist their 14-month-old baby was healthy until he was given the jab by a trainee nurse at the clinic.

Within minutes, his legs swelled up and his eyes started rolling. But, according to Danny's parents, the health centre told them "the reaction was normal and the swelling would go down in time"

They claim his condition has deteriorated over the years, leaving him 80 per cent brain damaged and unable to read or write properly.

Mrs Archer said: "We are planning to sue the clinic for clinical negligence because the jab Danny had was done by a trainee and, after his leg swelled up, the clinic told us not to worry.

"There has been a lot of controversy about the MMR jab and how it could be linked to autism. We want to know why Danny had that jab without any allergy tests and we are suing the health centre for a vaccine damage payment of £100,000.

She added: "I believe the NHS is trying to cover this up and we want justice for Danny."

A spokesman for Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Primary Care Trust said: "We are looking into Danny Wilkinson's case."

November 27, 2001 11:31