A NEWBORN baby boy nearly died after staff at Weston General Hospital failed to carry out basic tests, his parents say.

A NEWBORN baby boy nearly died after staff at Weston General Hospital failed to carry out basic tests, his parents say.

Paul and Louise Calcutt, of Goosey Lane, St Georges, have spoken of their 'horrific experience' after they were turned away from the hospital on Christmas Day.

Their fourth son, Charlie, born on December 17, was only days old when he started having breathing difficulties.

On Christmas Eve, the worried couple phoned NHS Direct, a medical advice service, and an ambulance arrived to take Charlie to the accident and emergency department in Grange Road.

Paul, aged 35, says he was told Charlie had a cold, but days later the couple's latest arrival was rushed to an intensive care unit.

On December 29 the family returned to the emergency ward in Weston after Louise, aged 28, had difficulty waking Charlie.

Paul, who runs Biscal Homes estate agency with his wife, says a test was carried out this time which indicated his oxygen levels were very low.

An ambulance was then called to take him to Bristol Children's Hospital, where after a few minutes of tests, he was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit.

Paul said: "If it had not been for the speed at which the Bristol staff had acted we could have lost our son."

Charlie was subsequently diagnosed with bronchiolitis, a lung condition that can be fatal in babies.

The family has now written a letter of complaint to North Somerset Primary Care Trust asking it to investigate the allegations that basic tests were not carried out and that his son's notes were not transferred to Bristol.

Despite the family's feelings towards Weston hospital, Paul and Louise have pledged to raise money for new equipment in both hospitals, including new sensory equipment.

The couple, who have three other sons Ciaran, aged 11, Alfie, aged four and 21-month-old Woody, are now planning a series of fund-raising events this year, to include a summer ball and a sponsored rugby tournament.

A spokeswoman for Weston Area Health Trust said: "We take all complaints very seriously and if they would like to contact us, we will investigate further."

To support the Calcutt's fundraising efforts log visit www.charliesthankyou.co.uk