A LOVING husband has said the NHS “could kill his wife” after her much-needed surgery has been pushed back again.

Adrian Francis, from Tiptree, has expressed his frustration and concerns after the ongoing situation with wife, Susan, 57.

She began feeling unwell last year before deteriorating even more.

Mr Francis, 62, said: “She felt very unwell from September to November, and in December woke up not feeling feel well and collapsed in my arms in the hallway.

“I rushed her to Colchester Hospital, she had a CAT scan and was told she had a ruptured gall bladder.

“She was in hospital for eight days and contracted peritonitis, an infection caused by the gall bladder.

“We were told by the surgeon due to the infection they couldn’t operate and needed to get rid of the infection first, and we could get surgery in the new year.”

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However, the couple heard nothing, and now Mr Francis said his wife has become “seriously ill”.

“She has been in five times now with severe pain, diarrhoea, sickness and weight loss," said Mr Francis.

“She virtually can’t eat anything and has lost four stone.

“She was very unwell on April 3 and I took her into hospital on April 4.

“The doctor said she needed a referral. She was taken to the gynaecological ward where she is now.

“Finally, the date has been set for May 30.”

Gazette: Mrs Francis has been unwell since September of last yearMrs Francis has been unwell since September of last year (Image: N/A)

Mr Francis said he is frustrated with the state of the NHS after what has happened.

He said: “I wanted my wife to go private and we could get surgery in two weeks but she refuses to pay.

“She has never had anything on the NHS before and wants the NHS to pay, it’s what we pay our taxes for.

“I tried to get hold of the Patient Advice and Liaison Service at the hospital, but all three numbers were out of order.

“I have now emailed and demand she doesn’t leave the hospital as she is not well enough.

“The doctors and the nurses aren’t able to do their jobs and the management of the NHS could kill my wife - she could die if she doesn’t get that surgery.”

A spokesperson for East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are very sorry to learn of Mr Francis’s concern for his wife.

"We are now in touch with Mr Francis and will be able to discuss all of the issues with the patient and her husband.”