A SERVICE dedicated to helping ease the pain brought on by such crippling conditions as arthritis is being axed at the Alexandra Hospital.

Health watchdog Redditch and Bromsgrove Community Health Council has launched an investigation after it was revealed the pain clinic will be closing down in June.

Norma Jones, of Webheath, has been waiting since last February for an acupuncture appointment at the hospital.

The mum-of-four has had curvature of the spine since she was 15 but it was not until she began to suffer from arthritis 10 years ago that she started to be in severe pain.

She can not have anti-inflammatory tablets, so her only option is alternative pain relief.

A spokesman for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed the service was closing.