“My son, Sean, contracted meningococcal septicaemia in 2005 at the age of 2. His rash did not show until about 12 hours after becoming poorly at 3pm.
"I called the GP as I was concerned about his temperature; he asked me if I knew how to take a child’s temperature. This was at 6pm and he was reluctant but eventually said he would call out to see him.
“The GP arrived just after 7pm but he did not take Sean's temperature. He gave him a quick look over and then told me that 'when I have more than one child, I’ll know when my child is poorly and when they’re not'. He left and I was made to feel like I had wasted his time.
“Sean remained very sleepy but still had no rash. Fortunately I let him sleep in my bed that night. At about 5am Sean was violently sick and seemed to be having a fit which was later confirmed.
“My husband put the light on for us to discover the horrific sight of Sean covered in a blood-like rash from head to toe. Fortunately, because it was so early in the morning, we got to the hospital in our car within minutes, where they confirmed our worst fears.
“Fortunately Sean is still with us - it was 50/50 chance of survival. He spent three weeks in hospital, one week sedated in intensive care and he has been left with a lot of scars. His index finger was amputated, he has only recently been diagnosed with Asperger’s and ADHD. The psychiatrist can't rule out that this isn't a result of the meningitis.
“This is such a scary and terrifying thing to go through, the thought he could actually contract this deadly disease again never leaves you. Yes, parents should be vigilant, it’s part of our job, but the government needs to do something and fast!
“One year later I got a letter of apology from the GP.”
