"My mother was not listened to"

I wish to lodge a complaint on behalf of my mother, who was treated by a paramedic.

My mother was accompanied by her friend. They took the decision to call 111, which the hotel receptionist did on their behalf. A paramedic, consequently arrived between 12. 30 and 13. 30.

They took observations of blood pressure and temperature and preformed an ECG, as well as briefly palpitating the abdomen. They diagnosed 'a bug'. My mother and her friend pointed out that the pain was similar to, but more intense and severe than, that which she had experienced before she has serious bowel surgery 8 years ago. The paramedic seemed to ignore this comment and gave it as their professional opinion that my mother was suffering from 'a bug'.

Both my mother and her friend expressed some doubt over this diagnosis and they went outside to phone a doctor for 'a second opinion'. They returned very quickly and said that the doctor agreed with their diagnosis. Their advise was for my mother to take paracetamol and see her GP if she was no better in 3 days' time.

They did not at any time ascertain the level of my mother's pain and showed no empathy in view of her evident distress and agonising pain.

Since her pain was escalating, my mother and her friend went to the local hospital in Penzance . The doctor on duty carried out a full and thorough abdominal examination and had blood tests carried out which came back clear. Given the level of pain, he sent her via ambulance to the Royal Cornwall Hospital outside Truro. She had emergency surgery for a blocked bowel, where 2 feet of dead bowel was removed, in the early afternoon - surgery lasted approximately 3. 75 hours.

The surgeon, Mr Mckay, referred to it as a 'life threatening condition' and said she could have died had the condition been left untreated for another 24 hours.

Obviously, we are extremely dissatisfied with the level of advise and the attitude of the paramedic. My mother is still being treated in the hospital and there is the possibility that she may require further surgery.

I would appreciate a response to my compliant as soon as possible.