RETIRED nurse Wendy Clarke agrees with paramedic Ian Skyrme that 14 months is too long to wait for an x-ray at Hereford County Hospital.

"You don't know what could be happening to you in that time,'' she said.

When Wendy, who lives in Kings Acre Road, read that Ian, from Bobblestock, had waited from February 2004 to May 2005 for an ultra sound she called in to say the same had happened to her.

Wendy has regular screening for a bowel condition and was told in March 2004 that a scan was required and an appointment would be made.

She had a letter dated May 31, 2005, from the hospital saying they were pleased to be able to invite her to get in touch and make an appointment.

Wendy did, was at the hospital within days and was delighted with the service. "I cannot fault them. They were absolutely wonderful and I was in and out in 20 minutes,'' she said.

But she did not think this made up for the long wait. "With Mr Skyrme that makes two of us, so there must be others. The wait is just too long.''

A County Hospital spokesperson said Mr Skyrme's complaint was being investigated but Wendy, who is awaiting the result of the scan, has not lodged one about hers.

"I did ask at the time but they said it was due to problems'' she said.