A GOUROCK playwright who endured an emergency quadruple bypass says he has witnessed 'no greater performance' than the NHS staff who miraculously saved his life.

David Carswell had to undergo life-saving surgery in December after tests revealed that one of his arteries was 100 per cent blocked and two others were functioning dangerously lower than expected.

The 48-year-old visited A&E at Inverclyde Royal as he felt like he had heartburn after a gym session.

He was kept in for a few days before and then referred to the Golden Jubilee Hospital for an angiogram, where tests revealed he was in a critical condition and needed major surgery.

David, who is well known locally for his involvement in the theatre scene, says he is forever indebted to the NHS who discovered the issues before it was too late.

The playwright told the Tele: "I cannot put into words just how thankful I am to the NHS staff for everything they did for me.

"It is because of them I am here to tell this story.

"If it wasn't for these people then they could have discovered this issue during my post-mortem.

"Every single member of staff went above and beyond and treated me so well - from the cleaners to the doctors, catering staff to nurses - I cannot fault them.

"They are the smartest, most dedicated people I've ever met and because of them I get to live my life - I am so lucky."

David, who lives with his partner, was kept in hospital over the festive period and has been recovering at home since he was discharged.

The writer of successful stage plays Mon Eh Ton and The Tommy Burns Story says he is feels 'lucky to be alive' and protective of the NHS.

He said: "Health is so important to everyone and we are so unbelievably lucky to have such an amazing healthcare system that is free and accessible to us all."

"I have been so well looked after by Gourock Health Centre, Inverclyde Royal Hospital and the Golden Jubilee.

"Even when I was in over Christmas, they brought me a gift and just made it as special as possible despite the circumstances.

"I cannot imagine a world in which the NHS does not exist."

David says his life-threatening experience has left him feeling that more needs to be done in the west of Scotland to recognise heart problems.

David, whose day job is in the roads industry, added: "I went through umpteen tests before the angiogram that did not show the severity of my condition.

"It wasn't until I had the angiogram that doctors realised the extent of the issues.

"Without that I would be dead.

"It is a very invasive process that isn't offered right away to those with heart issues, other things are used before it gets to that point.

"Something needs to be developed in addition to an angiogram - especially in this part of the country where heart disease is so rife - that can recognise problems in a less invasive way."