SUFFOLK Coastal MP John Gummer has today stepped in to help a woman told to live on just water to keep at bay the severe pain from an infected gallbladder until she can have an operation.

SUFFOLK Coastal MP John Gummer has today stepped in to help a woman told to live on just water to keep at bay the severe pain from an infected gallbladder until she can have an operation.

Mr Gummer has intervened in the case of 28-year-old Bonnie Collins, of Kingsbury Road, Trimley St Mary, who was told she would have to wait four months for an op or Ipswich Hospital would not get paid by the primary care trust for her treatment.

The hospital has denied this and says patients are treated according to clinical need and urgency.

Mrs Collins said: “I wrote to Mr Gummer because I think someone should know about what is happening in our hospitals.

“He is now seeking all the details of my case and answers over why I cannot be treated sooner.”

Mr Gummer has written to Ipswich Hospital chief executive Andrew Reed for an explanation.

Mrs Collins' problems started when her gallbladder became infected four months ago. She was advised that living on a special low-fat diet was the only way to stop the pain, but this did not work and so was told living on just water was the only way to stay pain-free.

She has since twice been admitted to hospital suffering dreadful pain, but after a few days was sent home and told to wait for her operation.

Mrs Collins who is a self-employed events co-ordinator and greeting cards designer said: “Last week when I was admitted they said they hoped now to do the operation before Christmas - which is a big step forward.

“I have a virus as well now, which is making me feel worse, so I just want the operation as soon as possible.”

Ipswich Hospital said everyone was treated on the basis of clinical priority with cases classed emergency, urgent and routine, where it is felt a patient can safely wait for an operation, to ensure patients are treated “in turn”.