Failures by St John in assessing a man later confirmed to have suffered a heart attack, and contradicting his GP's advice

The service has been found in breach of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights.

The man's GP contacted him when tests showed levels, which can indicate a heart attack -- and told him to call an ambulance to take him to hospital.

The 111 call centre sent a first response team.

An ambulance arrived just over an hour later -- before it was decided the man's wife would drive him.

The Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner was critical of the failure to recognise the serious nature of the man's condition.