THE NHS comes in for a lot of criticism, most of it unjustified.

For serious health matters with Government targets, it performs admirably — and has done so for me.

But for what it perceives as minor matters, the quick response disappears.

I need my ears syringing every few years. My own surgery told me to ring a health centre as they no longer provide this simple but effective service — despite the fact they have at least two nurses.

The dates I was given were at least two weeks ahead and, while I accept it is not life threatening or even painful, it is very uncomfortable.

It could be serious if I went progressively deaf and could not hear traffic, for instance.

The walk-in health centre in Bolton town centre informed me that it does not syringe ears despite the plethora of medical staff and facilities there.

Precisely what is a walk-in medical centre there for if it cannot deal with minor complaints? I thought these centres were set up for that precise purpose.

I last had my ears syringed at my own doctor’s surgery by a nurse . It took five minutes at the most. Why has the PCT (I assume it is that body) decided that I have to go elsewhere for this? Do the bureaucrats think this will save money?

The trend for larger GP practices to carry out more minor surgery should be welcomed.

But is it unreasonable to be able to book an ear syringing appointment within a couple of days at my own surgery?

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