The family of a mum left in a permanent vegetative state after a hospital tragedy were today holding a bedside vigil as her life hung by a thread.

Teresa Innes has contracted pneumonia and family and friends have mounted a round-the clock vigil at her bedside at Bradford Royal Infirmary after doctors described her condition as "very poorly".

The 37-year-old has been confined to hospital after an apparent drugs bungle at Bradford Royal Infirmary more than six months ago.

She is thought to have suffered a massive reaction when she was put on a drip containing penicillin to treat an abscess on her leg at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

She had been wearing a bracelet to warn staff of her potentially fatal penicillin allergy but it was not spotted and she went into anaphylactic shock, which stopped her heart.

Her brain was starved of oxygen for vital minutes and despite physiotherapy her progress has been slight.

Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust launched an immediate investigation which is ongoing and the family has consulted a solicitor with a view to taking legal action.

Her distraught next-of-kin Marlene Greaves, of Evans Towers, Ternhill Grove, Bradford, said despite the family's sadness they believed death could be the release Teresa would want.

"There is no hope for further recovery," she said. "The specialist says that the progress up to now is as far as it goes and Teresa would not want to be the way she is.

"In a kind of way it will be a blessing and we cannot see the sense in her lingering. She is existing in a vegetative state and if this is her time, it is her time.

"It would allow her to go with a bit of dignity and let us begin grieving for her and put her to rest."

She said the latest blow came after nurses caring for Teresa had called her saying she should go to the hospital immediately.

"They said I should get there sooner rather than later," she said. "We asked them to be honest with us and the way it is looking her death could be days away rather than months."

Teresa's aunt, Sheila Innes, of Bournemouth, travelled to Bradford to be with her niece. Ever since she has been taking it in turns with Mrs Greaves, to sit with Teresa and offer her some comfort.

"She deteriorated yesterday," Mrs Greaves said. "It could be up and down for a bit. The doctors and nurses are looking after her and keeping her comfortable."