Mavis Skeet, a cancer patient whose operation was cancelled four times, has died.

Her case hit the headlines in January in the middle of the winter crisis over NHS shortages.

Surgery to determine whether Mrs Skeet's cancer of the oesophagus had spread was repeatedly cancelled over a five-week period because Leeds General Infirmary was struggling to cope with a surge in demand.

Eventually Mrs Skeet, 74, was told the cancer was inoperable. She died last Thursday.

If doctors had carried out an exploratory operation when it was first scheduled, Mrs Skeet would have had a better chance of surviving.

An earlier scan had been hopeful, showing the cancer had not spread.

The hospital involved apologised at the time, saying the level of care staff were providing for some patients was unacceptable.

Health Secretary Alan Milburn ordered an inquiry into the case.

An investigation has been completed by the regional office of the NHS Executive, and its report has been sent to Mr Milburn.

Details have yet to be made public.

A spokesman for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said on Thursday: "We are very sorry to learn of the death at home of Mrs Skeet and extend our sincere condolences to her family for their sad loss."

A spokesman for the Department of Health expressed sympathy at the news of Mrs Skeet's death and said the report into her case ordered by Mr Milburn was currently being considered by her family and would not be published until they gave their permission.

Oesophageal cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer.