A YEAR-OLD baby girl is to have vital open-heart surgery within the next three weeks. It had been feared that Jasmin England would have to wait about six months for the operation.

Jasmin's mother, Michelle Thacker, is delighted that the operation to correct a congenital heart condition is now in sight.

Mrs Thacker, 34, of Hartington Street, Chatham, was furious when the Royal Brompton Hospital in London at first said surgery would not take place for six months. But the hospital has now telephoned to say the operation will go ahead on May 13.

Mrs Thacker said: "This is really good news and we are all delighted. It means that Jasmin can start to get on with her life."

Jasmin was diagnosed with a heart murmur aged eight weeks, but was found in January to need major surgery. Her condition means she quickly becomes breathless, dehydrated and cold. The family has to keep the central heating on and stop for frequent rests when they are out.

Jasmin's operation will correct a narrowed passage from the heart to the lungs, a hole in the heart and some thickened muscle, which means blood leaves the heart without enough oxygen in it. She is at risk of blood clots or not being able to breathe at all if she does not have the operation.