Claim heart patient left in agony after Whipps Cross Hospital fails to pay scan bill

The pain in Malcolm Rawlinson's back is so severe he cannot stand up, while his right leg is numb and his toes are turning blue.

The 66-year-old, who suffered a heart attack 15 years ago, was referred to The London Upright MRI Centre in central London last October because the scanner at Whipps Cross University Hospital in Leytonstone was not suitable for a man of his size.

But during subsequent follow-up appointments at Whipps, Mr Rawlinson was told by doctors that he cannot be treated until the cause of the problem is established.

And because the trust which runs the hospital has not paid for the scan, the results have still not been released four months on, he claimed.

Mr Rawlinson, of Marlescroft Way in Loughton, was first told last summer that he required surgery to solve a spinal problem.

But he did not have it after heart specialists later recommended that he take prescribed painkillers instead to enable him to exercise in an attempt to avoid a repeat heart attack.

The former security system fitter said: "I'm in a dire situation and I've had enough. On the bad days I can't even leave the house.

"I can't believe they haven't paid for it, it's not exactly thousands. If we had the money we'd pay it now.

"I have a bad heart but I can't do anything about it without these results. It's my birthday at the end of this month. It might as well be the last one."

Mr Rawlinson's wife Coleen, 58, said she is confused as to why the scan would not be paid for when the situation is so serious.

She added: "I’m really worried about his health. He can barely walk and is just sat in a chair all day.

"It means he can’t do anything about his heart but he really needs to exercise.

"It’s so hard to see Malcolm suffering so badly. It’s a life or death situation."

The Guardian has approached Barts Health NHS, the trust which runs Whipps Cross Hospital, for a comment.