Ananova:

A boy of 11 with appendicitis was called a "wimp" by a doctor who failed to spot the condition.

Liam Stone was taken to hospital by his mum for three days running with acute stomach pains.

But each time he was sent home with painkillers because doctors did not spot appendicitis, which can be fatal.

Liam's mum Vanessa said Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham, Kent, did not even offer a scan or blood test, reports the Daily Mirror.

She said: "A paediatrician felt his stomach and asked me: "Is he always a wimp?""

Vanessa added: "I was worried Liam had appendicitis. What hurt me most was my son being called a wimp because I know he isn't."

The 38-year-old mum and husband Robert eventually took Liam to Maidstone Hospital. He was diagnosed and operated on immediately.

Vanessa said she wants to raise awareness and is not seeking compensation.

Medway Hospital said: "We take complaints very seriously and investigate them rigorously."