Campaign alerts doctors to danger

The early signs show five to six hours before the classic symptoms

A Bristol-based meningitis charity says almost half the number of children showing early signs of the disease are being sent home by their doctors.

Meningitis Research has developed a red flag scheme which it hopes will help GPs pick-up on the symptoms earlier.

The study looked at 324 case of the meningococcal form of the disease, which saw 159 patients sent home.

It is backed by the parents of Lydia Cross who had her legs amputated after she developed meningitis.

They are warning others of the new early symptoms of the disease.

They can be observed in a child with fever and possible vomiting some five to six hours before the classic textbook symptoms of a rash, neck stiffness and impaired consciousness.

Lydia's father Tony says it is important to remain "pushy" if you think your child needs treatment.

"If you aren't getting the service your child wants then don't allow yourself to be fobbed off by the doctor," he said.

Lydia's parents have started an online petition calling for all health centres to have at least one doctor or nurse who is paediatric trained.