A new �36m cardiothoracic centre is being built

Martin Emery, who is a self-employed taxi driver, is still considering suing Plymouth's Derriford Hospital for the trauma of the postponements, and lost earnings.

He says he will also be discussing with his solicitor the possibility of a formal complaint against the hospital.

Mr Emery had a damaged heart valve and swelling of the artery and was on the urgent waiting list for major heart surgery.

I don't think any human being should be treated in that way Cathy Emery

He said he cannot fault the treatment he received, but said the hospital staff are under tremendous pressure and working long hours.

"It's a huge event in your life without it being postponed and postponed, your whole life is on hold until it is actually done.

"It's all behind me now, but other people have months of this to come."

And his wife Cathy said the cancellations were very stressful.

"I don't think any human being should be treated in that way," she said.

One reason for cancellations is the shortage of cardiac intensive care beds.

Hospital statement

Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust said in a statement it was delighted Mr Emery has had his operation and wished him all the best in his recovery.

The statement adds the hospital is working to increase the number of beds.

It has recruited more newly-qualified staff enabling more critical dependency beds on three days out of five.

The statement said the situation would also improve when the hospital's new �36m cardiothoracic centre was built.

But Martin Emery says he would still be seeking legal advice on a complaint and compensation.

"There are things that need to be addressed at Derriford, so people don't suffer the way me and many others have suffered," he said.