A CANCER sufferer has had life-saving sur-gery cancelled twice - including when she was on the trolley, about to leave for theatre.

Both times it was postponed because there was no intensive care bed available for Sandra Lowe at the Royal Gwent Hospital, which was essential following the major operation.

Now Mrs Lowe, 54, and her husband, Michael, of Gaer, Newport, are anxiously hoping that the re-scheduled operation to remove her oesophagus will go ahead next Wednesday.

A spokesman for Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust said the decision to cancel any operation was never taken lightly.

He said they understood it was upsetting when surgery was postponed.

"Unfortunately, sometimes very urgent cases are admitted unexpectedly and need theatre time or an intensive care bed and we have to make a very difficult decision," he said

"Discussions are currently taking place about mobilising an additional intensive care bed in the IC Unit at the Royal Gwent Hospital."

Mrs Lowe, a grandmother of four, was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus in October and had two cycles of chemotherapy to shrink the tumour before undergoing surgery.

She was admitted on January 17 in preparation for surgery two days later. "It was all systems go and I was on the trolley, going out of the ward bay, when the phone call came to say it had been cancelled," she said.

It was a difficult time for Mrs Lowe and her husband. "I was traumatised. They are playing with your emotions," he said.

The operation was rescheduled for a week later, but was called off the day before.

Mr and Mrs Lowe stressed that they did not blame the consultant, renowned specialist Wyn Lewis, or other hospital staff, but felt the system was at fault.

"I am appalled," said Mr Lowe. "They have got six beds in the IC unit to cover the county, and if there is an emergency you have no chance. Sandra is going back in next Monday but the same thing could happen again - there are no guarantees."

The delay is prolonging Mrs Lowe's ordeal and she worries about the cancer spreading. Her husband said they wanted to raise the issue "for everybody in the same position".

Newport West AM Rose-mary Butler is asking the trust's chief executive to investigate.