The devastated partner of a former postman who collapsed and died in Whipps Cross Hospital has called for answers as to why he was made to wait ‘three hours’, without being checked by doctor.

Roger Garrett, 64, presented to the A&E department on Monday with chest pains, but was not even triaged, as patients with minor injuries were seen before him, it is claimed.

His partner of 40 years, William Caster, said when the couple arrived at the Leytonstone hospital, they were told they had ‘done the right thing’.

But, they were then made to wait for three hours, without being checked.

“I thought he was going in to see the doctor when they called him at 3pm,” an emotional Mr Caster recalled.

“Soon after all the alarms started going off and they were rushing people out of the other waiting room.

“I was sitting listening to everybody moaning about the wait time, and he was dying in the next room, and I had no idea.

“I thought he had been taken in to see a doctor, not put in another waiting room.

“Everyone is devastated. He did so much for so many people.

“It’s just such a shock, there was no warning.”

The couple of Beacontree Avenue in Walthamstow had gone for a walk on Saturday and when they returned, Roger had complained of a ‘stitch’ in his chest.

On Monday, concerned Roger called his GP who said they could not see him until Wednesday, so, the couple took the bus to the hospital.

They arrived at 11.55am.

At 4pm a doctor came into the waiting room and asked if anyone was with Roger.

They took Mr Caster through to the next room where a team was working on his partner.

Mr Caster was told then Roger had collapsed as soon as he entered the next waiting room.

A resuscitation team worked on him for an hour.

“We had plans for the whole year, we were supposed to be going to America in two weeks.” Mr Caster said.

“I just can’t explain it, I’m in total shock. I wish I hadn’t gone into that room, and seen him like that.

“Why were people with sprained wrists seen before him? Aren’t chest pains a priority?

“We thought we were safe, we said we were in the best place and we would find out what was wrong.

“He didn’t see anybody at all.”

Mr Garrett who retired four years ago was well-known in the community, exercised weekly and enjoyed walking.

“I just can’t help thinking that if they had seen him, he might still be here with me.” Mr Caster said.

Barts Health has been asked to comment.