A SHOP worker refused to call an ambulance for a heart patient who collapsed outside the store.

Jewellery firm H. Samuel has launched an investigation following Patricia Jarvis's suspected heart attack outside its branch in Regent Street, Swindon.

Pedestrians went to the aid of Mrs Jarvis when she collapsed in the street and one woman ran into the shop asking for a telephone to call an ambulance.

But Mrs Jarvis's husband Peter, 63, says a member of staff refused and she was forced to stop someone in the street who raised the alarm with a mobile phone.

The couple live in Westbury Road, Penhill, and Mrs Jarvis, 62, spent seven days in hospital eight weeks ago following a heart attack. She had been in the shopping centre following a check-up at Princess Margaret Hospital on Wednes-day.

She is now back in PMH, where her condition is described as "comfortable".

Mr Jarvis, who can no longer work because of arthritis, said: "She was outside H. Samuel in Regent Street when she asked a woman passer-by for help because she felt funny.

"Then she collapsed. A nurse came from a cafe nearby and the first woman ran into the shop and asked them to call an ambulance.

"A man there said they were busy and refused to telephone for one. The woman shouted and asked for the bloke's name, but he wouldn't give it.

"But then a man outside called an ambulance on his mobile.

"I just want to thank the people who helped. I don't know who they are but I would like to thank them in person.

"But the shop was totally out of order. It didn't show Christmas spirit or even human spirit."

The jewellery company said it was sending Mrs Jarvis a bouquet of flowers to apologise for her treatment.

H. Samuel secretary Tim Jackson said: "We express our deepest sympathy to Mrs Jarvis.

"It is an incident that we are currently investigating through the H. Samuel senior management.

"Obviously, for the individual involved at the store, it is something we have to look at very carefully.

"The individual did call an ambulance and did go outside and help with the incident.

"Precisely what happened in the store when it was initially brought to their attention is what we are currently investigating."

Swindon Ambulance Service confirmed that it received the call from a mobile phone at 9.49am.