PARENTS wrongly accused of abusing their baby son are demanding an apology from hospital officials they accuse of making their lives "hell".

Natasha and Tony Putnam were banned from caring for 14-month-old Harry on their own for two months after doctors said they had seriously hurt him.

Police and social services investigated the couple after Harry injured his head in a fall at home last October.

"He was unconscious, so we rushed him to Worcestershire Royal Hospital, where he was later released," said Mrs Putnam, of Horsebridge Avenue, Badsey, Evesham. "I took him back a week later, because he was tearful and had a temperature.

"We demanded he had a head scan, which doctors said revealed two bleeds, one they claimed had happened four to six weeks earlier.

"As we couldn't account for this, they called in social services and the child protection police, who suggested Harry went into foster care."

Mr and Mrs Putnam refused and Harry was put in the care of Mrs Putnam's mother.

The distraught couple were told they could live with her parents, but could not be alone with their young son.

"We were told Harry's injuries couldn't have been caused by a fall," said Mrs Putnam. "He was put on the at-risk register and our other son, Oliver, three, was examined but found to be okay. It was hell."

It wasn't until Friday, December 19, that

Mr and Mrs Putnam refused and Harry was put in the care of Mrs Putnam's mother.

The distraught couple were told they could live with her parents, but could not be alone with their young son.

"We were told Harry's injuries couldn't have been caused by a fall," said Mrs Putnam. "He was put on the at-risk register and our other son, Oliver, three, was examined but found to be okay. It was hell."

It wasn't until Friday, December 19, that doctors at Birmingham's Diana, Princess of Wales Children's Hospital found he had a blood-clotting disorder. They also found only one injury.

Doctors say the signs are good for a full recovery, but Harry's disorder could have left him permanently brain-damaged and the effects might not show until he is older.

A Worcestershire Royal Hospital spokesman said: "If the family contact the hospital, we'll look into their concerns.

"Although we have sympathy with the family, our main concern is to look after the interests of the child first."

Carole Pugh, of Worcestershire County Council, said that social services had a legal obligation to investigate reports that a child might be at risk.

"While this can be very distressing for families, we must consider the welfare and safety of the child.

"Once we received the second diagnosis, which revealed that the original was incorrect, we were gladly able to reunite the family."