PATIENTS have spoken of their disgust and concern that they are facing heart operation delays, saying health budget restraints are putting cash before their lives.

News of the extra two-month delay for an angioplasty operation has enraged 51-year-old Kevin Sampson.

"I can't wait that long and I'm very concerned for my health. This is my heart we are talking about, what has cash got to do with it?

"I have paid my taxes all through life and now when I need something back I'm being told to wait even longer. What if I'm not here then?"

Mr Sampson, of Burnsall Drive, Acomb, has hereditary heart disease which has already killed his 49-year-old brother. He has had to give up work as a mechanic because he is unwell and was told last September that he needed an angioplasty.

He said: "This is not the doctors' fault, it's all about money over lives."

Annette Gamble, 58, of Kirkbymoorside, said she was frightened of dying if she did not get her angiogram soon.

"I just want to see my family grow up. But I desperately need this operation. I am housebound, frightened and angry that money is being put before me."

She had heart surgery ten years ago and now has three blocked arteries. She said: "I've got the right to a chance of a good life and this is no life at all. I need help."

Janet Barrass, 49, of Westpit Lane, Strensall, is devastated that she has to wait even longer.

"This is a worrying time without this. They are putting money before my life. My family are so worried - why should I have to wait this long, this is my heart we are talking about - it's what keeps me alive."

Harry Hudson, 65, of Melton Avenue, Clifton, was told he needed an urgent repair angioplasty last November. But now he has been told he has to wait even longer. He said: "I can't believe I'm having to wait this long. I was seen in November after a heart attack in October and told I needed the operation urgently.

"I think it's disgusting. I've paid my National Insurance all my life and never needed anything from the NHS. But now I do need it it's not there for me."

John Nelson's wife, Lucy, said her husband had become very depressed after receiving the latest news that he has to wait a further two months.

She said her 78-year-old husband is just sitting around feeling ill at their home in Kingsclere, Huntington, and is losing hope fast.

She said: "My husband fought in the Second World War and has paid into the NHS all his life and now this.

"He has never claimed anything from anybody and now when he needs help with his heart he is being put off again."

Updated: 16:15 Thursday, February 07, 2002