Fury as op put off three times

A pensioner has had vital surgery cancelled three times at a Shropshire hospital because intensive care beds have not been available.Now Derek Wild, 73, of Highley, near Bridgnorth, is hoping it will be fourth time lucky next week with a new appointment to attend the Princess Royal Hospital at Telford.

His wife Joyce said today that she was disgusted by the cancellations. "We will try again on Monday but it's like trying to win the lottery," said Mrs Wild, 74.

"I haven't come across anything like it in my life."

She said she is also angry that hospital boss, Tom Taylor, has not replied to a letter of complaint that she sent him.

Mr Wild is suffering from an abdominal aortic aneurysm which carries the risk of the main artery in the abdomen bursting unless surgery is carried out.

He was rushed by ambulance to the Princess Royal in October after collapsing. Tests confirmed the aortic aneurysm but also that he had six smaller aneurysms which would have to be removed before the major procedure was undertaken.

The first operation was performed successfully and Mr Wild was due to have the more complex surgery on December 17.

He arrived on the day and was taken to a bed straight away, only to be told five hours later that he had to go home as there was no bed in ITU for him.

His operation was again cancelled on December 31 and for a third time last Monday because no ITU bed was available.

"We are just hoping there will be no further delay," said Mrs Wild.

"I am disgusted by the way he has been treated. I am wild and not just in name."

Mrs Wild said she had complained to PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Services) and been told to write to the chief executive of the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust, which she had done.

A trust spokesman said today: "We are unable to provide comment or detail on any specific patient's treatment or condition.

"However, we are committed to providing all patients and their carers with the best possible care, treatment and information."

The spokesman added all complaints to the trust were investigated and responded to within 25 days.