Crockford

Mr Crockford said he was so concerned about what could happen during his wait, he was considering spending £15,000 of his life savings on private treatment.

John Crockford, 77, from Bridlington in East Yorkshire, has a history of cardiac problems and suffered three heart attacks in 2022.

Mr Crockford needs a scan to establish if the procedure is needed, but said he was alarmed when he received a letter from the hospital stating "patients are waiting up to 52 weeks" for their cardiology appointments.

Mr Crockford said he asked his GP practice to refer him to a cardiologist at Scarborough Hospital before Christmas, when he started to feel so breathless he was unable to do any physical activity.

Mr Crockford, who married his wife Tina in October 1966, said he was worried he would not survive to see their diamond anniversary.