HEALTH chiefs trying to cut waiting lists have got double trouble in Felixstowe.For two women in the same street, suffering from the same medical problem, have been waiting the same time for the same operations!After The Evening Star published the story of frustrated Evelyn Crick, who was fed up waiting for her op, one of her neighbours spoke out about her situation – which is almost identical.

By Richard Cornwell

HEALTH chiefs trying to cut waiting lists have got double trouble in Felixstowe.

For two women in the same street, suffering from the same medical problem, have been waiting the same time for the same operations!

After The Evening Star published the story of frustrated Evelyn Crick, who was fed up waiting for her op, one of her neighbours spoke out about her situation – which is almost identical.

To cap it all, the woman's name is Edwina DOUBLE!

But neither of the pair think it's a conspiracy by the health service.

"I think it's just a strange coincidence – just one of those bizarre things," said Edwina, of Grange Road, Felixstowe.

"When I read about Mrs Crick, I thought I am going through that, that's what I have got, I've been waiting that long – and then I saw she was in same street!

"I couldn't believe it."

Both women suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, a nerve problem with their wrists and which is causing them great pain.

"I went to see the specialist in December 2000 and have been waiting ever since for the operations, which should take about ten minutes each," said Edwina.

"Like Mrs Crick, I have also had two letters from the NHS asking me if I want to stay on the waiting list and have to write back and say, of course I do.

"It is very frustrating, especially when you hear the government saying all the time about how it is cutting waiting lists."

Like her neighbour, she suffers from numbness and pins and needles in her hands, and finds it difficult to grip, causing sharp knife-like pain.

She finds there are many things she cannot do easily any more, such as sewing, peeling potatoes, writing, and can only drive for short distances.

A spokeswoman for Ipswich Hospital said waiting times being brought down and targets to reduce times were being met, and staff were doing their absolute best to make sure the situation improved further.

However, the hospital was also having to cope with a huge rise in emergency admissions, which could not be predicted. These must take priority, and they have a knock-on effect for those waiting with planned treatment. The hospital only had a certain number of beds and theatre time.

"We appreciate how frustrating it is for people who are waiting and we are very sorry and are working as hard as we can on the situation," she added.

n Are you having similar problems and waiting ages for treatment? Contact the Evening Star Newsdesk on 01473 282257 or by e-mail to StarNews@ecng.co.uk