A WOMAN whose failing hip grinds and clunks" has been told she will have to wait months for treatment. Active grandmother Jean Gilbert, of Holland Street in Weston, had a replacement hip operation at Weston General Hospital seven years ago which failed o

A WOMAN whose failing hip "grinds and clunks" has been told she will have to wait months for treatment.Active grandmother Jean Gilbert, of Holland Street in Weston, had a replacement hip operation at Weston General Hospital seven years ago which failed on her in March.The 69-year-old was told by doctors that it would take five months for surgery at Southmead Hospital, the nearest available hospital for the operation.Mrs Gilbert, a former foster parent who normally enjoys spending time on her boat and travelling, said: "My life's on hold at the moment, I am stumbling along day to day."One doctor we have seen said he felt the replacement hip was not in at the right angle."The hip grinds and then clunks. It's not too painful but it's very audible and I sometimes have to stop in the street while people walk by to avoid embarrassment."A Southmead Hospital spokesman said: "The NHS has a waiting list target of six months for referrals like this."We always try our very best to see these patients within three months but regrettably sometimes this just isn't possible. Mrs Gilbert was referred to us in April and we have told her she is likely to have her operation in August or September. This is still within the six month target."A spokesman for Weston General Hospital said: "It is not unusual for a hip replacement of this age to require revision.