MARK HALL had to deliver his baby at home after his girlfriend was sent home from hospital.

An investigation has been launched after Kathleen Gable was told to go home. An hour later, she gave birth with Mr Hall at her side.

Mr Hall, 30, and Ms Gable, 20, of Beech Terrace, Port Clarence, Teesside, went to the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton, by taxi after her waters broke on May 6.

After tests, they said nurses sent them home without carrying out a dilation check.

An hour later, Ms Gable began giving birth to her daughter, Emily.

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust bosses said they were investigating the matter.

Mr Hall said: "I am just happy and relieved that everything is all right, but I could have lost my girlfriend and my baby. I just feel the hospital failed us."

The couple said they wanted to make sure nothing like this happened to another couple and are contacting a solicitor.

They said: "It is not a case of suing the hospital, it is just the case that anything could have happened to Emily and we do not want this to happen to someone else."

A North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust spokesman said: "We are still investigating at this stage."