Royal Liverpool Hospital criticised by heart attack victim's family

Mar 22 2010 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Echo

THE family of a man who was sent home from hospital while having a heart attack today claimed they are still waiting for an apology following his death.

Christopher Jones, 39, from Aigburth, called an ambulance after waking up in agonising pain.

But his brother, Stewart, said the John Lennon Airport worker was left to wait for two hours and classed as a “low priority”.

He claimed no formal tests were carried out and his brother was sent home with a diagnosis of muscle strain and a packet of pain killers.

But the pain continued and 24 hours later Mr Jones called an ambulance again and was again left waiting in the hospital before it was confirmed he was having a major heart attack.

He spent three weeks in hospital before being allowed home - but two weeks later was found collapsed in his flat and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Royal.

It was subsequently discovered his heart had suffered irreversible damage.