A PENSIONER fears he may not live to see Christmas as he awaits approval for life-saving heart surgery.

Brian Garbett, of Lombard Street, Stourport-on-Severn, has already suffered seven heart attacks and is eager to have a vital operation on the NHS. After six months and numerous letters to the Wyre Forest Primary Care Trust, however, he is yet to be placed on the waiting list.

Earlier this year, Mr Garbett visited his cardiologist who recommended a biventricular operation to help his heart beat properly and pump blood around his body.

Only half of Mr Garbett's heart is working properly, and that is putting pressure on his kidneys and liver. The pain has left him struggling to walk up stairs or make a trip into town.

Mr Garbett, aged 67, said: "I'm in constant pain. It's been particularly bad since May, and now I struggle to walk 150 yards down the road. It's also bad at night time and I'm left feeling absolutely exhausted.

"There's still so much I want to do but every night there is the fear that I might not wake up in the morning. I worry I might not see Christmas at this rate. I just want to find out whether I can have the operation but I feel like I'm being messed around."

Mr Garbett had his first heart attack in 1987. In the three years that followed, he suffered five heart attacks and a "silent" one - which happened without any warning symptoms - the year after he had a heart by-pass operation in 1991.

A biventricular operation is a new treatment and Mr Garbett's request has been referred to the PCT's complex case panel meeting due to take place on Tuesday, December 20. A decision will be made based on the effectiveness and safety of the treatment together with the individual circumstances of the patient.

His wife, Jane, is feeling the strain as the couple await the PCT's decision.

She said: "It's always on my mind. If he even pops into town I spend the whole time worrying whether he's OK or not. It upsets me to see him in so much pain."

The PCT's spokesman, Paul Lynn, said that until the meeting had been held, it was inappropriate to make any further comment.