A YOUNG MOTHER has accused staff at Ealing Hospital of making a blunder shortly before the birth of her son.

Hanna Thomas, 25, said staff did not spot a rare condition or a 3cm tumour in her son Stephen, now six-and-a-half months old.

Mrs Thomas, who lives near South Greenford station, said: "In September 2008, I was pregnant with my first child and was told twice by a sonographer that the baby was a girl.

"I went into labour and after a difficult night the baby was born. But surprisingly, I did not get to hold my child straight after the birth."

Doctors eventually referred her to Great Ormond Street Hospital, where she discovered her son had Disorder of Sex Development (DSD) .

He also had a 3cm tumour in his pelvic area and needed emergency surgery.

She said: "I found out that even though DSD is a relatively rare condition it could be diagnosed at the pre-natal stage by doing tests.

"Our argument is if the sonographer at Ealing was experienced enough he wouldn't miss a 3cm tumour in a 6lb baby.

"It has been over six months since my son was born. He is a lovely child and is developing very well but I've been told that he is infertile.

"We still fear what the future holds and I still believe Ealing Hospital failed in their duty of care and owe my family an apology.

"I would like to warn women who are expecting their children not to deal with Ealing Hospital and if they do, demand every possible test to ensure the baby's wellbeing."

A spokesman for Ealing Hospital NHS Trust said an initial complaint was received in October 2008.

"Following detailed correspondence with Mr and Mrs Thomas we responded in detail to their concerns on November 17 and February 16.

"We also suggested a meeting with their consultant to discuss their concerns further, which they have chosen not to pursue.

"We are very sorry that Mrs Thomas is unhappy with the care she received at Ealing and we would like to discuss this further, but to protect baby Stephen's confidentiality we would prefer to do this in private rather than through the pages of a newspaper.

"We follow national screening guidelines, in common with other NHS hospitals. In general DSD is a very uncommon condition which is not routinely tested for in the UK and is very rarely diagnosed before birth.

"We understand that Baby Stephen is now developing well and wish the family well for the future."