LIKE most older people, I see the great institutions we have all relied on for help over the years collapsing. None more so than the NHS.

I am what in current parlance is referred to as a “vulnerable customer” – a 77-year-old bowel cancer survivor with chronic leukaemia, sciatica and type 2 diabetes. I live alone and for a crucial period during recent events my family was on a pre-booked holiday abroad.

In early November I contracted a painful urinary tract infection. I was kept waiting for four hours in the Airedale Hospital A&E department before a catheter and leg bag were applied. Over the three months that followed I had frequent catheter problems – mainly discomfort and leakage.

Three attempts to get the ambulance failed. I was advised to ring 111 who – although very pleasant to deal with – just referred me to district nurse services, which I soon discovered were not there to help.

On three occasions they refused to come out. I was contacted by the nurse manager who was of no help whatsoever. I was told to “muddle on”. Another piece of useless advice was to take paracetamol. The first time I had problems I contacted my doctor, who sent a nurse out to replace the faulty catheter. The one she replaced had been fitted by the hospital – yet when I had another problem later and the hospital catheter needed replacing again, I was told she couldn’t do that.

When I could actually get a district nurse visit they proved helpful in the main. The difficulty was in getting them. I believe they treated me appallingly and that there is an urgent need for retraining in that organisation.

My treatment is a disgrace.

An elderly, sick man in 21st century England should not be left in this state. This is worse than a Third World country. It is a scandal. I am raising an official complaint. My advice to others who may fall foul of the system is to bear in mind my experience.

David A Mosley, Long Lee

* A spokesperson for Airedale NHS Foundation Trust says: “The care that Mr Mosley has experienced is not of the standard that we aspire to provide and we apologise to him. His complaint will be investigated and we will respond to him as part of that process.”