A critically-ill Shropshire baby girl who has had to undergo seven life-saving operations was today returning to hospital because doctors say her condition is not improving as well as hoped.

Olivia Austin’s parents Dave Austin and Emma Draycott, of Castlefields, Shrewsbury, were due to take their daughter, who is almost three months old, back to Birmingham Children’s Hospital so medics can carry out exploratory surgery.

Olivia was born in November. Doctors soon realised she had serious life-threatening conditions including a heart problem called transposition of the great arteries.

They also found that her coronary arteries had not formed properly either.

The family today issued an appeal to anyone who has been through a similar situation to get in touch with them and give them support and comfort.

Olivia’s aunt Anna Wilkes said: “She has to go back into hospital in Birmingham as there is no improvement in her heart function and her left coronary artery is too small and thin so is not pumping the blood to her heart, which is why her heart is not getting any better.

“The specialists at Birmingham Children’s Hospital are at a loss as to what to do as they have not dealt with a case like Olivia’s.”

She said Miss Draycott was hoping someone who had dealt with a condition like Olivia’s might come forward.

Miss Draycott and Mr Austin, who have four other children, said they hoped doctors could find out what was wrong and help their daughter.

Mr Austin said: “There has been no improvement on the left side of her heart and it’s not doing the job it’s supposed to.

“They want to do a catheter operation tomorrow to see what is going on and see if they can do anything.

“Looking at her you would think she is fine,” he added.

“But if the left side of her heart doesn’t improve the future is not looking too good.

“I just hope they find something and hopefully can make her better.”

Anybody who would like to offer help or support can e-mail Ms Wilkes at annawilkes28@googlemail.com

By Russell Roberts