It has an excellent record as both Sheffield University and the National Audit office recently found

NHS Direct spokesman

On Thursday, an inquest in Southwark, South London, recorded a verdict of death by natural diseases, although a coroner criticised NHS Direct for its actions.

Following the verdict Mr Chapple, of Hampton, west London, said the death of Jordan was a "tragedy for the whole family".

"What Cherry wants now is that changes are made to ensure this never happens to another child," said Mr Chapple.

"I understand some changes have already been made at NHS Direct, with better systems to help provide more accurate diagnoses of babies, especially premature babies like Jordan."

He said he still believed NHS Direct could be a "good service".

Swollen stomach

"But they cannot afford to make one mistake because, like with Jordan, one mistake is one too many," he said.

Mr Chapple said his daughter, who lives with him and his wife, rang NHS Direct after becoming concerned about Jordan's temperature and swollen stomach.

After getting the diagnosis Ms Chapple tried to contact her own doctor but was transferred to another NHS centre and was unable to get a second opinion.

Jordan was eventually taken to hospital where meningitis was diagnosed. She died five days later.

An NHS Direct spokesman said there was nothing "unsafe" about the advice given to Ms Chapple, but that what had happened was being investigated.

New software

"NHS Direct deals with 120,000 calls a week and saves countless lives," he said.

"It has an excellent record as both Sheffield University and the National Audit office recently found."

Software has now been introduced to help with diagnosing conditions in babies.

The service was looking at criticism from the coroner, who had said that NHS Direct should be deciding whether a doctor should be seen rather than making a diagnosis.

Health minister Jacqui Smith said: "We have very carefully evaluated the success of NHS Direct. There is a very high level of satisfaction.

"Whenever mistakes are made it is terribly sad and very regrettable but NHS Direct is delivering a very good service to people throughout the country."