Boy's 'swine flu' a kidney case

Callum spent six days in hospital with a serious kidney infection

A mother from South Gloucestershire is claiming the country's pre-occupation with swine flu almost cost her son his life after he was misdiagnosed.

Callum Meaker, 13, was told he had swine flu after calling an NHS helpline with a high temperature, but it turned out he had a serious kidney infection.

He was rushed into hospital several days later where he spent almost a week recovering before being discharged.

A further scan is now required to see if there has been any lasting damage.

If I'd left it any longer he'd have died Karen Sarkozi

Callum's mother Karen Sarkozi, from Yate, said: "I called NHS lines and swine flu lines but I couldn't get anyone to come out and see him.

"His temperature was getting up to 108F to 110F and his eyes were rolling.

"I called our GP and said: 'If you don't call me back in 10 minutes I'm taking him to A&E.'

"If I'd left it any longer he'd have died.

"They're putting everything down to swine flu and overlooking other serious illnesses."

NHS South Gloucestershire said it was not able to comment as it did not have the full details of the case.

Chris Payne, director of public health, said: "We do want to learn from it in case there are any glitches in the system."