A Norfolk man who claims his doctor has introduced a waiting list for ear wax removal said he would 'seriously consider' suing the surgery if he gets involved in an accident that relates to his lack of hearing.
Graham Jones, from Antingham, has had hearing problems for 20 years, and wears a hearing aid.
But the retired county councillor says he is struggling to hear in either ear after he was told by his GP surgery, Birchwood Medical Practice, in North Walsham, he would have to wait up to 10 weeks for an appointment to remove wax from his ears. However, health chiefs deny there is a waiting list and say they will treat him as soon as possible.
Mr Jones, 75, said: "Normally you ring up and make an appointment to see the nurse and they put a bit of oil in your ear and extract the wax.
"[They said] you have to go on waiting list now and I was told there was about 300 people on it."
He added: "It's very frustrating.
"I wear hearing aids anyway and I haven't got profound deafness, but I can't hear anything out of my left ear and my right isn't great.
"Why should I have to be deaf?
"If, as a result of my not being able to hear properly, I get involved in some sort of accident because of my lack of hearing, I would seriously consider suing them. I wouldn't put it past me."
Mr Jones has submitted a formal complaint to NHS North Norfolk clinical commissioning group (NNCCG).
A spokesperson for the NNCCG said: "There is no formal waiting list introduced for ear wax removal.
"It is simply the case that patients are treated for routine medical problems as soon as an appointment becomes available.
"We believe most people are aware that there is sometimes a short wait for NHS treatment if it is not an emergency and unless someone has an over-riding medical need, it is usual for people to be seen in turn.
"Birchwood Medical Practice has written to Mr Jones assuring him they look forward to welcoming him at the surgery as soon as possible.
"Ear irrigation is not part of general practice's core contracted NHS work. However like a number of surgeries, Birchwood chooses to offer the service to its patients under a separate contract."
READ MORE: Campaign launched in Norfolk town with the longest wait for an ambulance in the country
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here