A SICK Worcester baby who looked set to spend her first birthday at home has suffered a setback after being re-admitted to hospital.

Lauren Davis was born with a rare digestive disorder at the Royal Infirmary last May, unable to hold down her food, vomiting and suffering from diarrhoea.

She has spent the last year in and out of Birmingham Princess of Wales, Children's Hospital. She was allowed home last week to Essex Close, Dines Green, where her mum Amanda had hoped to celebrate her birthday this Friday.

But the youngster has an infection and was taken back into hospital yesterday.

"She had a temperature and a possible line infection," said Lauren's grandmother Josie Cornes.

"It's a real shame that she won't be home for her birthday. We were all looking forward to having a birthday party for Lauren in the garden, especially as the weather's been so nice.

"But obviously we can't take any risks. When Lauren's ill, the best place for her is the hospital.

"We're sad that she won't be at home but then again we'll have a party at the hospital.

"Amanda seems to be okay because as a family we don't try to plan too much. We always take each day as it comes because we don't know how Lauren will be.

"Lauren is actually fine in herself. She always seems to remain happy. Hopefully she'll be home again within the next couple of weeks."

Lauren is one of only five people in the world who have the defective gene, which means she cannot break down body salts and loses her bodily fluids.

To gain nutrients she spends 14 hours every night on a parental line feeding machine and is fed through a tube in her nose each day.

Mrs Cornes said the family hoped to see a specialist this month, who may be able to answer some questions about Lauren's condition.