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Former Speaker Baroness Boothroyd faces open heart surgery
Ben Bailey20 Jul 2009
Former Speaker of the House of Commons Baroness Boothroyd is due to undergo open heart surgery today.
A spokesman for Lady Boothroyd, 79, said that her condition - a narrowing of a valve in her heart - was not believed to be life-threatening, though it could be expected to become so if she did not have treatment.
As Betty Boothroyd, she served as Speaker from 1992 to 2000 before taking up a seat in the House of Lords. She entered the Royal Brompton Hospital in London yesterday.
Her spokesman told the Press Association: "Betty Boothroyd, former Speaker of the House of Commons has entered the Royal Brompton Hospital...for open heart surgery.
"She is suffering from aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the main heart valve, which will be replaced by an artificial valve.
"Her medical advisers say her condition is not life-threatening at this stage, but would become so in a few years without treatment." Lady Boothroyd will be 80 in October.
Reader views (3)
Hang in there, Betty - you're one of the few last (relatively speaking) honest politicians I can think of. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
- Marianne, SW France/London, 20/07/2009 17:57
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I met her once about 15 years ago - amazing woman and very inspiring but have to say she smoked like a chimney. Hope she makes a full recovery, but hope as well she keeps off the ciggies...
- Alison, London, 20/07/2009 11:18
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The battle-axe will be just fine. Can't see God wanting to argue with her any time soon. She's made of stern enough stuff to see this off without a problem. Good luck to her.
- Prototypical Englishman, Wormwood Scrubs, 20/07/2009 10:56
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