IN MY VIEW... ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF THE NHS

WHEN good things and bad things go hand in hand in healthcare, it is vital to rejoice in the magnificent advances, rather than dwell on the negatives — it keeps us going through difficult times.

The experience of a colleague’s mother brought this to mind.

She was recently admitted to hospital for a heart operation, but was sent home the same day without having had it, as there was no bed available: a considerable blow after months of investigations, organisation and worry.

She had been due to have her aortic valve, the gateway between the heart and the rest of the body, replaced using a minimally invasive technique.

Rolling Stone Mick Jagger had one of these trans-catheter aortic valve replacements, or TAVRs, in April and, six weeks later, was back practising his trademark moves.

Traditional surgery involves cracking the breast bone, to access the heart, followed by careful replacement of the valve — about the most major surgical procedure you can imagine.

With TAVR, the new valve is inserted through a catheter (tube) in the main artery in the groin and threaded up to the chest like a folded umbrella, where it is then opened up and fixed in place.

Once reserved for patients who were considered too high risk for a major operation, TAVR is now carried out in those of low risk.

In patients over 70, it is becoming the preferred option — allowing a rapid return to normal activity.

My friend’s mother finally had the treatment last week and, so far, all is well. The delay was unfortunate.

But let us not lose sight of the bigger picture: surely the development of a treatment as splendid as TAVR is something to rejoice in.