A FAMILY is demanding an inquiry into why a North-East man who had only months to live waited ten months too long for a cancer check-up.

The case of pensioner George Barnett was highlighted on the same day as the Government pledged to end regional differences in cancer care.

Mr Barnett, 74, from Seaham Harbour, County Durham, died earlier this year.

He was diagnosed with cancer of the bladder in 1999 and underwent an operation.

Doctors said he needed a follow-up appointment four months later, to check the cancer had not returned.

Mr Barnett became concerned when he did not hear from the hospital about his appointment, so he visited his GP, who contacted the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

The hospital said Mr Barnett's consultant was on holiday. As more time passed, his doctor's practice again contacted the hospital on his behalf. His GP was told the consultant had retired and might not be replaced.

Despite the best efforts of Mr Barnett's GP, the situation lasted 14 months before he was invited back for a check-up.

By then the cancer had spread to the lining of his bladder. He also had secondary cancers in his lungs, and a brain tumour.

He had only six months left to live, and died in June - seven years after first visiting his doctor with bladder problems.

Mr Barnett detailed the problems in a letter left with his will.

Now his daughter, Rita Skeoch, from Quantock Avenue, Chester-le-Street, is demanding answers.

Mrs Skeoch said: "His letter is very, very bitter.

"Unfortunately, he never got to finish his account because he got too ill with his brain tumour, so I've followed it up. Now I want some answers."

Both Easington Primary Care Trust, speaking on behalf of the family's GP, and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust, on behalf of the hospital, said they would be happy for the family to contact them to discuss their concerns, and said they had official channels through which they could complain.

The NHS trust said: "We sympathise with the family's distress. However, we can't comment on individual patient cases. I would urge the family to contact us. We would be happy to discuss their concerns."

The Government has pledged that all cancer patients should receive the treatment they need, regardless of where they live.

Campaigners have said that "postcode prescribing" means many patients are denied help.

Health Secretary Dr John Reid said there was still room for improvement to stop Britain lagging behind the rest of Europe.