Luxury Loch Lomond hotel apologises for treatment of terminally ill child

A luxury hotel has issued a “humble apology” for the treatment of a terminally ill child at the premises.

Charlie, who breathes through a surgically made hole in his neck, was taken to Duck Bay Hotel and Restaurant by his family on Sunday.

The three-month-old boy is receiving end-of-life care at the Robin House Children’s Hospice in Balloch.

During their visit, a staff member told Charlie’s parents that they could not plug in their nebuliser, a device that turns a liquid containing medication into a mist to be breathed in.

Charlie’s uncle, Bradley Raynham, said his sister asked at reception for help but “they weren’t interested one bit”.

Charlie and his parents returned to the hospice “obviously upset” and spoke to a nurse who contacted Duck Bay.

Mr Raynham said: “The nurse has called them and they’ve told them they’re not speaking to a manager and they’re not interested, essentially.

“The charge nurse has then phoned them and said they’d hold to speak to a manager to then be told, ‘Other people will be waiting to call us and we can’t help’.

“How in this day and age can any place turn someone away for something like this. Especially after being there and spending money. Literally holding a baby in their arms who needs this.”

Duck Bay hotel, which is located on the banks of Loch Lomond, has since issued an apology and said an investigation will be carried out.

The management team said the incident was due to a “junior staff member” who “misunderstood and misjudged a situation”.

They state that the situation has left the family-run hotel “deeply upset”.

The statement from the hotel directors and management read: “We have made contact with both Robin House and Charlie’s parents to offer a personal apology and to reassure them that the incident is completely unacceptable and will be dealt with as a matter of urgency.

“As long time supporters of local charities we will certainly make amends for the incident and will take the opportunity to review our training and procedures to ensure such an incident is never repeated.

“We are also aware of social media posts and comments regarding the incident.

“Whilst we completely understand people’s reaction to what happened, we would like to remind you that this is an incident involving a very inexperienced young person who has made a mistake; they are absolutely devastated by what has happened and how they have handled things.”