VALDA Lawrence burst into tears when she found out the procedure needed to determine why she is in agonising pain had been delayed for the third time in a row.
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The 74-year-old pensioner from Coolamon needs a colonoscopy and endoscopy to find out what's wrong with her.
Her doctor said she should have the procedure done within three months at Wagga Base Hospital but as it continues to be pushed back, she's worried.
Initially, it was booked in for April 5, then it moved to May 3 and this week she received a letter telling her it would now be May 31.
"I was so upset when the letter came, I burst into tears," she said.
"I just thought, 'what's the good in bloody living?'
"The pain in the right of my stomach is almost excruciating.
"We're living from pension to pension and can't afford private health insurance.
"I would wonder about whether there are others going through the same thing."
Mrs Lawrence and her husband, Peter, have worked hard and raised a family.
Now, they dream of using their caravan to go on trips around NSW.
But while Mrs Lawrence is in so much pain it isn't possible.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District director of operations Jill Ludford said the procedure had to be pushed back because of other emergency cases.
"The patient's elective surgery procedures have been rescheduled because other emergency cases have taken surgical priority and unexpected leave that had to be taken by the treating surgeon," she said.
"Wagga Base works to minimise disruption to booked elective surgery procedures wherever possible.
"The hospital regrets the inconvenience and distress this may cause patients and their families."
Ms Ludford said people could email feedback@gsahs.health.nsw.gov.au or call the MLHD complaints telephone line on 1800 011 824 to voice their concerns.