AN ELDERLY man died 45 minutes after undergoing a cancer operation at Hereford County Hospital.

John Hartwright, 77, from Bromyard, died of acute heart failure on May 29, after undergoing an operation for bowel cancer.

Coroner Mark Bricknell recorded a narrative verdict during the inquest into his death held at Hereford Town Hall on Wednesday.

He said: "Mr Hartwright was extremely unwell when he underwent a difficult operation and he was suffering other things as well as bowel cancer.

"It had taken place after a patient consultation of the risks which were considerable."

Clare Cheek, specialist at Hereford Hospital said that Mr Hartwright went in for surgery on May 29, in what was a difficult operation as he had an obstructing tumour.

She said: "Unfortunately bleeding started which was hard to control and his bowel looked congested."

It was decided not to take any further action at that time and Mr Hartwright was taken to intensive care where he later died.