specifically due to the hernia, especially early on when it was very painful. marcus has been waiting for a hernia operation for close to four years. during that time, he's received just one letter from the hospital. now it's more about how it looks, how it appears, even. it's obvious now. when i'm standing up and walking, i can't get away from it. i can't conceal it any more. so i try and tend to stay home. surgeons say operating theatres are being left unused because of staff shortages, a lack of beds and complications relating to covid. very often, it's not clear until the morning of the operation as to whether it's possible. there are times when there aren't the necessary beds available, particularly if critical care is needed in intensive care beds, for instance. and that's terrible for patients, because they come into hospital expecting to have their operation, and if there aren't the necessary resources there to support that, then unfortunately they have to be cancelled on the day.