Ted Heath in hospital with blood clot

Wednesday, 27 August 2003 12:00 AM

Former Conservative Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath is under the watchful eye of doctors at King Edward VII hospital in London this morning.

The 87-year-old fell ill during a visit to Austria and was flown home yesterday.

On Tuesday afternoon, he was flown to London's RAF Northolt airbase by air ambulance,

Sir Edward is suffering from a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot on the lung.

Mr Heath's private secretary said: "Following treatment in hospital in Salzburg for a minor stomach upset, a small clot on the lung was discovered.

"Sir Edward Heath is now receiving further treatment for this condition at the King Edward VII hospital in London."

Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith has expressed his concern for Sir Edward.

Mr Duncan Smith said: "I am sad to hear that Sir Edward Heath has been taken ill.

"Naturally, we all wish him a very speedy recovery. The thoughts of the entire Conservative Party are with Sir Edward at this time."

Sir Edward represented Old Bexley and Sidcup as a Member of Parliament and was Father of the House from 1992-2001.

In 1975, Mr Heath was defeated in a Tory leadership contest by Margaret Thatcher.

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