Parents frustrated by lack of hospital beds for baby needing urgent heart treatment

The parents of a three-month-old boy who they fear has just days to live say they're frustrated at being unable to access lifesaving treatment due to a lack of suitable hospital beds.

Dylan and Catrin Green from Cardiff took Macs to hospital six weeks ago after he struggled feeding.

He later suffered two cardiac arrests and was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, external, a heart condition which can lead to heart failure.

He urgently needs a "Berlin heart" - a device which could stabalise his condition while he's in intensive care awaiting a heart transplant.

The organisation which commissions specialist NHS care in Wales said funding was available but treatment was decided by clinical assessment.

Two weeks ago, Macs was transferred to a specialist unit in Bristol where his condition has since deteriorated.

He is now in an induced coma with a machine performing the usual function of the heart.

His family said he needed to be moved to one of two specialist hospitals which can offer the Berlin heart, external - a highly specialised pump which acts as a bridge to a transplant - but, at the moment, no beds were available.

"Seeing him in hospital is so difficult for us," Catrin told BBC-produced Newyddion S4C.

"It's really frustrating knowing there is a treatment available which could save his life."

She continued: "He could lead a full life with the Berlin heart. Although he would have to remain in hospital for an extended period, he would be able to learn to crawl, to walk.

"It would be really nice to reach that stage."

She said they were "desperate for the hospitals to find a bed for him".

"The clock is ticking for him - we just need a bed."