I WOULD like to say a big thank you to Dr John O'Driscoll of Spring Gardens Health Centre for highlighting the waiting lists for heart bypasses (You Say, March 5).

My dad, who was a patient at Spring Gardens, had his first heart attack in November, 1998. He then had another at the hospital and a third heart attack in March, 1999.

He had regular appointments with the specialists at Ronkswood Hospital and was waiting for a heart bypass. He had other health problems so was supposed to be on the urgent list.

In May, 2000 he was rushed to hospital with another heart attack. He had a long wait on a hospital trolley in casualty and waited nearly three hours to go to coronary care.

All the staff were stressed in casualty and they were arguing over who should receive care first. My dad died two days letter in coronary care after waiting for a heart bypass since his first heart attack.

He had been to Birmingham and tested and it was found that he needed a triple bypass. He died waiting for heart surgery.

My dad worked all his life paying taxes and National Insurance and left behind a wife and daughter and a three-year-granddaughter asking for her grandad and six-month-old twins who will never know my dad.

Every one has the right to receive National Health care. I am grateful once again to Dr O'Driscoll speaking out about people having to wait so long.

MRS S P IMBER,

Lyppard Kettleby,

Worcester.