A Wheathampstead schoolgirl was just hours away from developing a potentially fatal illness after being misdiagnosed with swine flu from an out-of- hours GP service.

Rosie Lloyd was rushed into hospital last month for an emergency operation to cure a burst appendix, shortly after her mother had been advised by a doctor that her symptoms were those of the virus sweeping the nation.

The seven-year-old's mother, Lisa,of Lattimore Road, told the Review that following her gut instinct had proved to be a life-saving decision.

She said: "Rosie said she had a tummy ache. Kids being kids we just thought her jeans were too tight but then she started being sick throughout the night.

“Early next morning she woke up with pains on one side of her body which didn't seem to go. So I thought I would try the NHS Direct helpline, but I got a recorded message saying they couldn't take my call due to the enquiries about swine flu.”

Lisa persisted calling the helpline and finally got a number for an out-of-hours GP service.

A doctor called her back 40 minutes later and asked for Rosie's symptoms.

The mother-of-two continued: “I said she was sick, had a high temperature, but she also had severe pains on one side of her tummy.

“Straight away I was told she could have swine flu. But she did not have a cold or headache, it was just the pains I was concerned about. But the GP said Rosie had two symptoms that were on her list. In my mind I thought it was something like appendicitus.”

The Lloyds were told because Rosie had swine flu a doctor would not be able to come out to see her. They listened to the advice but 15 minutes later the seven-year-old's condition became worse and they took her to the QEII Hospital in Welwyn Garden City.

Lisa added: “The doctor saw her in ten minutes and straight away diagnosed Rosie with appendicitus. She then got transferred to the Lister Hospital overnight and a paediatrician explained Rosie should be seen by a surgeon as soon as possible.”

Lisa said. “It wasn't until after the operation the surgeon told me Rosie had a burst appendix – he said a few more hours and it could have developed into peritonitis which is life threatening.

“It is lucky that I was thinking something wasn't right. Some people would have just taken the word from the doctor.”

Lisa has written a letter of complaint to West Hertfordshire Primary Care Trust and is waiting to hear back from them with an apology.

Click the related link to read the PCT's response.