PATIENTS on long-term orthopaedic waiting lists in Gwent have welcomed a review that aims to help tackle the problem.

The Assembly has appointed a waiting times troubleshooter to work with Gwent health bosses to eliminate waits of more than 18 months for hip, knee and other orthopaedic operations.

Health minister Jane Hutt launched the review because 173 - 84 per cent - of the 205 orthopaedic patients in Wales who had been waiting longer than 18 months by October 31 were from Gwent.

Improvements cannot come quickly enough for 45-year-old John Gibbs, of Kingsland Walk, Cwmbran, who has waited 21 months for a wrist operation.

He was due for surgery last Wednesday to insert a metal plate into his left wrist, which he hoped would bring to an end constant throbbing pain.

But the operation was cancelled on Tuesday because there were no beds available.

"I was all geared up, packed and everything," said father-of-three Mr Gibbs, who gave up full-time work because of his problem.

"I rang at 10am (on Tuesday) and there were no beds.

"I rang again about 11.45am and there was still nothing." It was 3pm before he was told the operation was cancelled.

"I was a bit angry to be honest. I know it's not the doctors' and nurses' fault, it's the management that's to blame," he said.

"I'm back on the list and don't know how long I've got to wait."

Fifty-eight year-old Gloria Williams, from Newport, has waited since September 2000 for a hip replacement.

"I understand I've got to have a different operation to normal and that there is only one specialist who can do it.

"Even so, it's a long time," she said. "Something must be done. I'm not the only one and I'm luckier than a lot of people because I can still get about, but it's difficult.

"I can't take my grandchildren to the park and I have to go to bed to rest most days.

"I've lost years I should be enjoying and the longer it goes on, the worse my hip is going to get."

* Have you been waiting more than 18 months for treatment? Contact the Argus newsdesk on 01633 777219/777226 or email newsdesk@gwent-wales.co.uk