Angela Lawrence of Kennedy Drive, Bilton, was on the waiting list to have hip surgery (arthroscopy) at University Hospital in Coventry, but has since been told she cannot have it because she lives in Warwickshire.

Ms. Lawrence, 63, said: "It's absolutely infuriating.

"I'm just the same as people living in other areas.

"Just because I live in a different area, my needs are still the same."

Around five years ago, Ms. Lawrence had an arthroscopy operation on her other hip after developing problems, and went on to have a hip replacement.

Last year when she started experiencing pain in her 'good' hip, she went back to the hospital and was put onto a waiting list to have more surgery.

In January this year, Ms. Lawrence received a letter from the hospital saying that 'due to factors beyond its control' she had been removed from the waiting list because NHS Warwickshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) has refused to fund the surgery.

Ms. Lawrence complained to the hospital and has since had a scan to investigate her hip but is still waiting for the results.

She said: "I'm so cross about it all, it's dreadful.

"I struggle to walk up the stairs and walk long distances. My lifestyle has changed."

Ms. Lawrence contacted the Rugby Advertiser after seeing the frontpage story last week, featuring Marie Wragg who was also refused the operation because of where she lives.

Ms. Lawrence said: "I bet there are hundreds of people out there in the same position.

"I think it's very difficult to get anything done about it.
"If everyone who find themselves in this situation lobbied the MP together it might do some good.

NHS Warwickshire confirmed there is no funding in place for patients in the county for the treatment, but that it would review the situation.
To sign the petition, email Angela Lawrence at angela.lawrence2009@ntlworld.com.