Jean Pittman needs heart surgery. Now she has been told that her operation has been postponed for two months in addition to the usual wait of three to four months. Why? Because there is no NHS money to do it.

acAN ELDERLY York woman must wait months for a vital heart operation because of a shortage of NHS cash, the Evening Press can reveal today.

And three top York doctors have said the decision by North Yorkshire health chiefs to "ration" this type of heart surgery goes against Government guidelines to reduce waiting times.

Angina sufferer Jean Pittman, of Dunnington, received a letter from the consultants at York Health Services NHS Trust saying her proposed coronary angioplasty has been postponed for at least two months, on top of the usual waiting time of three to four months, because North Yorkshire Health Authority does not have the money to fund the operation.

The 72-year-old was due to have the operation, which stretches arteries leading to the heart and makes it easier for blood to flow, at Leeds General Infirmary after an initial angiogram at York District Hospital.

In the letter, Dr Maurice Pye, Dr John Crook, and Dr Simon Megarry, consultant cardiologists at York District Hospital, said that the delay was not the fault of the York or Leeds trusts.

"We ourselves find it very strange as cardiologists that the health authority should decide to ration coronary angioplasty, especially when the Government is trying to reduce waiting times for most patient procedures."

Mrs Pittman, of Greenside Close, said: "This is a situation that needs to be looked into urgently, not just for myself but for the rest of the people in our region.

"Every day we are told by the Government that more and more money is being given to improve the treatment of patients with heart problems, but this doesn't seem to be the case here."

But the health authority said had Mrs Pittman's case been urgent, she would have received urgent treatment, adding there had to be a balance between cash and demand.

It said that this year, more angioplasty procedures than ever before had been funded - 100 more than planned.

"Almost 400 patients have benefited, with the 100 extra procedures costing in the region of £500,000," said Dr Jeffrie Strang, acting director of public health.

"That means that as the end of the financial year approaches we must concentrate on urgent cases and people who have waited longer for the procedure."

But Mrs Pittman said: "Surely if someone is ill and needs treatment then that is the most important thing.

"Things like hearts and cancer have got to come above financial matters, but unfortunately that isn't the way the world is these days."

Dr Strang added: "The well being of our patients is our most important concern, and of course anyone in urgent need of angioplasty will not have to wait.

"As part of good management practice it is normal for the health authority to review its performance at regular intervals through the year to ensure it meets its budget.

"This is part of a range of measures and we are in discussion with cardiologists about any individual patient needs or issues."

Updated: 11:18 Wednesday, February 06, 2002