The NHS often hits the headlines when things go wrong. Today the Leicester Mercury tells the stories of two patients who live four miles apart. Here are very differing accounts of their experiences.

YES - Michael Swann is ‘disgusted’ after having two operations cancelled in seven weeks.

Michael Swann has had two operations cancelled in the past seven weeks because of a lack of intensive care beds. The 76-year-old is due back in Leicester Royal Infirmary on Sunday for an operation due to take place the next day.

However, he said there is no guarantee the surgery will go ahead.

Mr Swann, from Groby, said: "I am disgusted. Something has to be done. This is wearing me down. I am in constant pain and have been in and out of hospital several times as an emergency and it must have cost the NHS a fortune.

"My health is deteriorating and quite honestly, at the moment, I don't feel I have a lot to live for. I am feeling worn out."

Mr Swann was diagnosed with bowel cancer in October, 2010, at Leicester Royal Infirmary and had to have surgery to remove the tumour.

Two days later he had to have more surgery and a stoma – a type of surgical bag – fitted to remove waste from his bowel.

In August last year, Mr Swann began suffering abdominal pain and tests confirmed there was a narrowing in the stoma causing his bowel to block up, resulting in severe pain.

He said: "After several emergency admissions because of the pain, doctors said they would operate so that I did not need the stoma. I was told they could operate on December 8, but on the morning of surgery I was told I wouldn't be going to theatre because there were no intensive care beds available." Mr Swann was sent home to wait for the next operation date of January 12.

He said: "I am in constant pain and have to have strong painkillers to try and control it.

"But this is also affecting my health as I only have one functioning kidney and it isn't ideal to be on these painkillers."

Mr Swann was admitted again on January 11 to receive necessary intravenous fluids before the operation.

Surgery was again cancelled and Mr Swann sent home.

Within 24 hours the pain was so severe he collapsed and his wife, Margaret, 77, had to call an ambulance.

He was admitted back on to a ward but doctors said he was too weak to operate and he would have to wait for the re-arranged date of January 30.

Mr Swann said: "I don't blame the staff, they are brilliant, it does seem to be the system."

His daughter, Linda Farr, from Shepshed, is furious about her father's treatment.

She said: "The suffering he has had to put up with is inhumane. It is just terrible to see him in this state.

"He is frightened to eat too much for fear of blocking up the stoma.

"What has the National Health Service come to, leaving people to suffer over and over again?

"We have been told by staff that the shortage of intensive care beds is due to 'funding'. If this is the case, more funding needs to be found."

Leicester's hospitals have apologised for the cancelled operations but said the situation was unavoidable.

Adam Scott, consultant surgeon and medical lead for surgery at Leicester's hospitals, said: "It was regrettable, though necessary, for us to reschedule Mr Swann's operation.

"The procedure our surgeon is performing is incredibly complex and it is absolutely essential that Mr Swann is looked after in an intensive care bed after his operation.

"Unfortunately, on both occasions, our intensive care unit was extremely busy looking after seriously-ill patients, so we made the decision to postpone Mr Swann's operation to be certain we have an intensive care bed available.

"His operation is now due to take place on Monday."

Mr Scott said: "We have been in close contact with Mr Swann and would like to apologise again for any distress this delay has caused."

NO - Marion Burford, 36, from Glenfield tells her story of the NHS angels.

In June 2011 I took a trip to see my GP, Dr Jones, at Oakmeadow Surgery, Glenfield, for what I assumed would be a routine appointment. Her knowledge and expertise along with her tact and compassion meant I left feeling reassured despite the fact we had discussed the possibility of a potentially serious condition – a tumour.

I received a follow- up appointment within 13 days with Dr Davies in gynaecology at the Royal Infirmary. I was told I'd have to have an operation and it would be the next week.

Yet again, with the kindness and compassion in the way he relayed this news to myself and my partner, we knew we were in good hands.

I then met Nafisa Patel, clinical gynaecology nurse specialist. Her bright smile and sense of humour left me feeling even more upbeat despite the fact that I was now being informed that I was being placed under the care of the oncology team – signaling a potential for cancer. Three weeks after my initial GP visit, I was in theatre having my tumour removed.

The care I received from Dr Davies and his team, along with the fantastic support from the nurses, and everybody else in Ward 1 was second to none.

Despite the swiftness of my surgery, my tumour had already become too large and advanced to be able to remove it all with a "healthy margin." This, and the fact that it was indeed cancerous, was explained with sensitivity and compassion by Dr Davies and the wonderful Louise Boulter, clinical gynaecology nurse specialist.

Then Prof Symonds came on the scene – another kind and compassionate doctor to whom I could say anything without the fear of feeling daft. His knowledge in his field was immense and filled me with yet more confidence.

At the beginning of August I was back at the infirmary having chemo-radiation.

Each day there were huge smiles and words of encouragement. They laughed with me and were there when I needed a shoulder to cry on. Thank you, you were amazing.

Staff on the chemo suite – simply angels from heaven. I've never seen such a hard working group of professionals.

Back over at ward 1 having more surgery, this time with Dr Ang and her team. I'd love to say that two lots of surgery, radio and chemo had done the job. But alas, my cancer had been working faster still and I had to be told it was terminal.

I'm 36, with three fantastic young sons, two great step- sons, a wonderful husband, amazing family and beautiful friends. Everything to live for.

The news that Nafisa Patel gave me in October was awful but the sheer excellence in the way she delivered it was second to none.

Then there was the chance of a grant from the Cancer Drugs Fund which enabled me to have a previously unobtainable drug, Ipilimumab – a course of injections costs £75,000.

However, I had been pretty poorly and struggled with my breathing which meant that I was on steroids and Ipilimumab drug doesn't work in the presence of steroids.

The forthright approach of Dr Nicholson filled me with confidence again. There were no guarantees, but I left knowing everything possible was being done to help save my life.

I've had my course of three chemos and the treatment was hard going.

I've spent nine days in hospital now being cared for by the wonderful doctors, nurses, and health care assistants on Oncology East Ward at the LRI. Nothing is too much for these wonderful carers who are worth their weight in gold.

My doctors have thrown everything at me in an attempt to deal with this awful condition. Whatever happens I know the amazing workforce of the NHS will continue to do this.

I just wish we'd all learn to appreciate our angels of the NHS.