A man who suffered multiple heart attacks has won £250,000 in NHS compensation after going to A&E at Medway Maritime Hospital convinced he had cardiac problems - only to be turned away.

John Crammond, of Arthur Road, Rainham, had crushing chest pains and went to the emergency department on January 22, 2006, sure he was having a heart attack.

The father-of-four told the High Court that the unbearable pain felt like a belt was being tightened around his chest. “I was convinced I was going to die,” he said.

The 63-year-old went to the hospital with his wife Sheila and was examined by a triage nurse, who carried out an ECG.

However, the doctor on duty did not go and see him. Instead he was given an appointment with a GP at the nearby same day treatment centre, who diagnosed a stomach problem and sent him home.

Unknown to Mr Crammond, he had a serious heart problem that went undiagnosed and untreated for years.

Exactly four years later, on January 22, 2010, his legs were swollen and he returned to the same A&E. He was diagnosed with heart failure and told he was having a heart attack.

Over those four years it is estimated he suffered some 100 mini heart attacks, as well as a minor stroke.

But by that time, his heart was so badly damaged he was no longer suitable for surgery and so a pacemaker was fitted.

Judge Brian Forster QC said he should have been seen by a doctor and made a ruling of negligence by the NHS.

"Between 2006 and 2010, my life was an absolute misery. I was always unwell, always in pain and always felt like I was constantly complaining – but no one seemed to take me seriously or think that my condition was life- threatening" - John Crammond

He said if doctors had asked Mr Crammond the relevant questions during examination, his risk factors for a heart problem could have been identified.

He should have been admitted to hospital and tested.

“No reasonable A&E doctor would have sent a patient to a same day treatment centre,” said the judge.

The damages payable by the NHS to Mr Crammond were agreed at £250,000.

After the diagnosis, Mr Crammond, who has seven grandchildren, was forced to give up the painting and decorating company he had set up and built for almost 30 years.

He said: “Between 2006 and 2010, my life was an absolute misery. I was always unwell, always in pain and always felt like I was constantly complaining – but no one seemed to take me seriously or think that my condition was life- threatening. My GP kept saying it was a stomach complaint.

“To discover after all that time in 2010 that I had been experiencing repeated mini heart attacks and also suffered a stroke was difficult to come to terms with.

“I’ve had no disability support from the government. I’ve asked, I’ve been to Citizens Advice, I’ve been back to my doctor. My heart is more than twice the size of a normal heart, but only half of it works.

“The amount of fluid I can drink each day is limited and I’m not allowed to carry more than 14kg.

“And despite my new GP saying if I go back to work I’ll be dead within six months, I can’t get disability help because I can still put my hands above my head and touch my toes – and that’s the measure, apparently.”

Mr and Mrs Crammond had to sell their house and downsize.

“It was a real stress for us. Sheila had to go back to work, which I hate seeing while I’m sat at home.

“I am pleased and relieved that after all this time the mistakes made by the hospital staff have been highlighted and it is my hope that lessons can be learnt from my ordeal.”