Expressing disappointment in the healthcare system after serving nearly 30 years in the Navy, Wogan noted that the uncertainty surrounding his surgery significantly impacted his mental and physical health.

After being hospitalized for nearly a week in July 2023, Wogan was informed that he urgently needed open heart surgery to replace his failing aortic valve, but faced a wait of up to four months due to NHS delays.

Faced with the lengthy wait on the NHS, Wogan withdrew £25,000 from his pension to pay for private heart surgery in mid-September, which alleviated his health concerns but delayed his retirement plans.

Dr. Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation, emphasized that Wogan's case is indicative of the suffering many endure due to overwhelming waiting lists and called for immediate action.

Wogan's experience highlights the emotional and physical toll that waiting for necessary medical treatments can have on patients within the current NHS framework.

In response to the crisis, calls for a National Cardiovascular Disease Plan have intensified, with the British Heart Foundation and over 40 organizations urging the UK Government to improve heart and stroke care.

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death in the UK, accounting for a quarter of all deaths, prompting health organizations to advocate for better prevention strategies and expedited research.

The British Heart Foundation reports that premature deaths from cardiovascular disease have reached the highest level in over a decade, with approximately 750 people under 75 dying weekly in 2023.

The NHS waiting list for treatments has reached a staggering 7.77 million, with cardiovascular care alone accounting for over 420,000 patients, 40% of whom are waiting longer than the targeted 18 months after referral.

Neil Wogan, a 52-year-old Navy veteran from Wigan, felt desperate as he awaited surgery, describing himself as a 'ticking time bomb' due to his health concerns.

Wogan's health issues began when he visited his GP in May 2023 for chest pressure, but he faced significant delays before being diagnosed with heart valve disease and referred to a cardiologist.