GEORGE Kemp feels like his lungs are constantly on fire. So he stays in bed, unable to sit up, with pains shooting through his chest.

More than 30 years down the pits have left the 86-year-old with chronic emphysema, bronchitis, pneumoconiosis and a back injury.

But in spite of requests health bosses have not deemed his condition ‘substantial’ enough for an assessment to determine if special equipment and alterations to his home would ease his suffering.

George's son Peter has been told by Primary Care Trust staff that his father cannot even be put on a waiting list for evaluation.

In a letter dated September 8 to Peter the aids and adaptations service manager Kath Hobson states: “Though your request for equipment is understandable as being desirable to make things easier this is not something considered essential at this time.”

After Peter complained, Ms Hobson sent him a second letter on September 14. In it she apologised for the wording of her previous letter but still refused help. She added: “The decision was specific to the presenting need which could not be classed as either critical or substantial.”

George, who lives on Wakefield Road, first went down the mines in 1934 aged 14 and retired in the 60s; he worked at Woolley, Old Carlton, Rockingham and Wentworth Silkstone pits.

Now frail and constantly gasping for short ragged breaths his day begins when a home help cooks breakfast, lights his fire and washes his face.

Son Peter estimates he drinks only half a litre of water a day as he cannot stand the pain of walking to the bathroom more than once.

After the Chronicle brought George's plight to the attention of PCT bosses they said: “Mr Kemp has a domiciliary care package for his personal care which is reviewed at least annually to ensure its appropriateness. The care manager has identified broader issues relating to walking, bathing, shaving etc and an occupational therapy assessment was requested for him on September 18.

“This assessment request has been prioritised and he will receive an assessment within 28 days of September 18.