A PATIENT who had a knee operation cancelled at the last minute when doctors discovered he had a heart condition has had the surgery called off a second time - for the same reason. Malcolm Hooper, 46, of Carnation Road, Strood, was told his heart condition meant the operation again could not go ahead.

Now the former demolition worker, who has to live in constant discomfort, wants to know why the hospital arranged the second operation only to cencel it.

Doctors at Medway Maritime Hospital are adamant they made the right decision, saying Mr Hooper's life could have been at risk had he had the operation which involves cutting his left knee in four places and moving the joint from the left to the middle.

but Mr Hooper believes there is no excuse for surgery to be cancelled a second time for the same reason.

He said: "It is very painful and I have to have crutches. I can't walk more than about 15 yards. I have heard nothing from the hospital about when I can have the operation."

A spokesman for the hospital said they were reviewing Mr Hooper's case and added: "We are sorry for the anxiety that Mr Hooper has been caused. As a matter of policy, patients are pre-assessed before being admitted for routine elective surgery. Any decision to cancel an operation is not taken lightly, and the rationale for this is fully explained to the patient.

"Our overriding concern at all times is the patient's well-being. We are reviewing Mr Hooper's case and will be in contact with him soon to determine how we can best move things forward."