A Katikati woman who spoke out about delays in getting treatment for a hip condition is scheduled for an assessment next month.
Lois Smith featured in the Bay of Plenty Times last month as she struggled to get onto a waiting list to receive treatment for her weakened hip, despite being promised action within six months two years ago.
While she had accepted a lengthy wait for any progress, some of the youngest members of the community had not.
Year 5 children from Katikati Primary School wrote to the paper in support of the 64-year-old, who is a Bible studies teacher at the school.
The Bay of Plenty Times received 14 letters from students, aged 9 to 10, expressing their disappointment a woman they described as "a lovely lady who helps the community" had to wait so long for a new hip. The school gave copies of the letters were given to Ms Smith, who said she was touched by the gesture.