An Otley man who claims he was forced to seek private treatment for a broken foot is sending the bill to the local NHS.

Mark Buckle, of Weston Lane, says he was left waiting for more than six weeks by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – despite chasing them with a string of phone calls – after being referred by his doctor.

The 50-year-old first noticed pain in his foot in January, and through his GP, went on to have several tests before being referred to Leeds General Infirmary’s orthopaedic outpatient department on April 24.

But once there he was told there was no evidence of a fracture, was given a walking support boot, and informed he was being passed on to another department.

It turned out to be the last time he was seen by anyone from the trust.

The IT professional finally decided to seek private help from The Yorkshire Clinic, in Bingley, last week.

That appointment confirmed that his foot was broken, and led to a further MRI scan, x-rays and another appointment.

In his letter of complaint, he said: “I will be sending the bill to LGI.

“I am unable to walk on my foot, despite contacting various people in LGI nothing has happened, I am not asking for a miracle just a diagnosis and treatment and to be treated as a human being.

“It has affected my home life and put my job in jeopardy.

“I am bringing this matter to the attention of my local MP and the local press in the absolute hope that no one else has to suffer the way I and my family have.”

MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) said: “The treatment Mr Buckle received from Leeds General Infirmary on this occasion has clearly fallen short of the standards we have come to expect.

“I have written to Maggie Boyle, the trust’s chief executive, asking her to look into this and for an explanation into why Mr Buckle experienced such problems in trying to arrange an appointment for what, in all honesty, should be a routine check-up.”

A spokesman for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: "Mr Buckle has contacted us about his concerns and we are currently investigating these.

“We are in regular contact with Mr Buckle and his wife. Once the investigation is complete, we will provide them with a detailed response.”