DOCTORS have apologised after a toddler was sent home with the wrong leg in plaster.

Rafe Powell was sent home with his right leg in plaster when he had broken his left leg falling out of a highchair.

Now hospital bosses, who have admitted the mistake, have spoken to the 21-month-old boy's parents Guy and Bella.

Guy, 48, said: "We were so worried about him that we didn't notice at first.

"It was when Rafe got home that I noticed that his right leg was in plaster and I said to his mum 'I thought he injured his left leg'."

Doctors admitted the mistake but now his dad and mum Bella, 45, are demanding answers from Torbay Hospital for the rest of the boy's treatment.

Yesterday, Guy spoke to the clinical orthopaedic director. He said he will submit a formal complaint and has asked to meet with health bosses to discuss Rafe's treatment.

Guy said: "I want assurances that no future damage has been done and why Rafe was sent home in pain when his plaster was taken off after two weeks."

After the initial mix-up over the plaster had been rectified Guy and Bella took Rafe back to the hospital two weeks later.

Then doctors removed the plaster believing the hairline fracture was healing but Rafe's parents claim it was too soon and the toddler was left in pain and unable to walk.

Guy and Bella were concerned because he still felt pain putting weight on his mending leg.

"We got Rafe home and were encouraging him to walk.

"He did not want to put any weight on it and we thought that he may be a little stiff but when it got worse we took him back to the hospital.

"We feel so guilty for making him walk on the leg which had been broken.

"He cannot say for himself if he is in pain."

Now the ailing youngster has been put in plaster again.

Guy said: "The first time you can put down to ineptitude but what has happened has worried us.

"I don't know if this has made things worse for him or put back his recovery."

Matron Andy Mortimore wrote to Rafe's parents to apologise for the initial plaster mistake.

New checks are now in place to avoid further mistakes.

A spokesman for South Devon healthcare trust said: "Rafe's parents' initial concern was taken very seriously. The matron met with them and we have taken action to guard against anything similar happening."

She said that the trust was concerned about the Powells' fear that a clinical decision may have compromised Rafe's recovery.

She said an initial investigation indicated that the hairline fracture has been healing as expected.

"The most recent plaster was, in fact, provided to help Rafe become more confident with returning to weight bearing, with a further review of his progress planned.

"We would advise anyone wishing to raise any concern with us to contact the clinic where they have been seen, or leave a message with our patient advice and liaison service which aims to respond promptly.

"We will be speaking to Rafe's parents to make sure that they have the information they need about the ongoing care plan and are reassured."