A distraught brother has blasted his GP for showing 'no compassion' after being refused a blood test to save the life of his seriously ill sister.

Armando Tavares, 50, of Elgin Mews, Notting Hill, visited the Golborne Medical Centre in Golborne Road, North Kensington, on Thursday, to find out whether he could help his sister who is suffering from cancer in his native Portugal.

Without a donation of healthy tissue from a close relative, mother-of-one Jacinta, 47, may die.

But instead of being given the test, Mr Tavares claims he was told to go private - a move which could have cost him more than s700.

He has now been forced to fly to Europe to carry out the potentially life-saving screening, as his s240 flights were cheaper than taking the simple test in the UK.

Mr Tavares, who has worked as a porter at flats in Avenue Close, Regent's Park, for seven years, said: "I am so angry and think the whole system is out of order. I've worked here for years and paid my taxes, they should show a little respect and compassion for people in my situation.

"It is not easy. My sister, who has a child, has cancer of the throat. Without the option of a donation she will be in a very difficult situation. Someone has to do something to change this system in England."

In a letter, copied to Kensington and Chelsea NHS and Minister for Health for Government Ann Keen MP, he said: "This has caused a delay in helping my beloved sister. Time is of the essence and yet, you showed no compassion or understanding. I am sure most members of the public would be outraged at your handling of the situation.

"It is important for those at the top to know how others on the ground are treated."

Kensington and Chelsea NHS is now processing a formal complaint from Mr Tavares.

A spokeswoman for Golborne Medical Centre said that they could not test his blood until the practise had consulted NHS guidelines.

She added a detailed letter has now been written to Mr Tavares but, due to patient confidentiality, its contents could not be revealed.

"This is not something we come across every day," she added.