Chancellor's daughter deteriorates after brain haemorrhage

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Pioneering care at unit treating Browns' baby

Outlook depends on severity of haemorrhage

The baby daughter of Gordon Brown and his wife, Sarah, was being treated for a brain haemorrhage last night after her condition deteriorated in hospital.

Mr and Mrs Brown, who have been at 10-day-old Jennifer's bedside since she was transferred to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary on Friday, issued a statement which said: "Sadly, Jennifer's condition following her brain haemorrhage has deteriorated over the last 24 hours. Gordon and Sarah are with her and are grateful for the support and good wishes they are receiving at a difficult time." No further details of the baby's condition or her treatment were being made available although it was confirmed that she had been baptised in hospital.

Jennifer, who was born seven weeks premature, was transferred to the infirmary's specialist neo-natal unit, the Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion, on Friday. The decision to move her from the Forth Park Hospital, in Kirkcaldy, where she was born, was taken after doctors there became concerned at the result of an ultrasound scan.

Jennifer was delivered by Caesarean section on 28 December after scans revealed she was smaller than expected and her heartbeat rate was increasing.

Despite weighing only 2lb 4oz at birth, doctors had previously been pleased at the progress Jennifer was making. She was able to breathe independently and tolerate small amounts of food.

On Thursday Mrs Brown, 37, was told she could go home, although Jennifer was expected to remain in hospital for several more weeks.

Mr Brown's older brother, John, who was the best man at the couple's wedding last year, visited the hospital yesterday afternoon, but made no comment.

Tony Blair's official spokesman, speaking in Delhi, said last night: "The Prime Minister and Cherie have been keeping in close touch throughout the visit. All their thoughts and prayers are with Gordon, Sarah and baby Jennifer."

A spokeswoman for the premature baby charity Bliss said that cerebral haemorrhage was one of the biggest risks of premature birth.

"Staff at the Simpson neonatal unit will be doing all they can, with the expert knowledge that they have of sick, premature babies. They will be discussing all the options with the parents and any decisions about treatment and future care will be taken jointly," she said.

"The Browns will be devastated at this moment, having already gone through a rollercoaster of emotions that parents of premature babies do with the unexpected birth and the ups and downs of a seriously ill baby."

Nigel Griffiths, a minister at the Department of Trade and Industry and a close friend of Mr Brown, said: "We are desperately anxious for them."

Jack McConnell, Scotland's First Minister, said: "Like every other Scot, my thoughts are with Gordon and Sarah, and particularly with baby Jennifer."