LONDON, England — A family is seeking an apology from the London Ambulance Service after responding paramedics allegedly refused to believe a woman was having a stroke.
Michelle Williams, 27, suffered a stroke at her home last month when her 7-year-old daughter called for an ambulance and alerted Williams’ mother and grandmother, according to This is Local London.
Williams’ mother, Debra Johncock, said that when she arrived at Williams’ home, she was convulsing and vomiting on the floor. Williams reportedly told the paramedics that she thought she’d had a stroke, but the paramedics said she was “silly” and asked her “what drugs have you been taking?”
Carol Benchaquor, Williams’ grandmother said that the paramedics ignored her complaints of pain.
"…She looked like she’s had a stroke. She said the pain she was in was worse than childbirth,” she said.
After dragging her out to the ambulance without a wheelchair, medics took Williams to the hospital, where she underwent a four-hour brain surgery, This is Local London said.
Williams is still recovering from her stroke, suffering mobility issues and requiring a caretaker and medication.
The family has asked that the paramedics be reprimanded.
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said that they have not received any complaints about the service provided to Williams.
“If the family have concerns, we would advise them to contact our patient experiences department,” the spokesperson said.