A HUSBAND braved freezing temperatures this morning to make a stand in a one man protest against the health authorities.

Ivan Blacka and his homemade placard caused a stir outside Firdale Medical Centre in Northwich when staff called the police. The 53- year-old, of Navigation Road, is furious about the way his wife has been “let down” by NHS staff.

Mr Blacka told the Chronicle his wife first went to the Firdale Road surgery three years ago with back problems, but has since been repeatedly been “fobbed off”.

She has also suffered with swollen legs, a bleeding ulcer in her windpipe, and now the early onset of dementia.

“Her health has really deteriorated,” said Mr Blacka. “She struggles to get around and she sleeps a lot. She can hardly walk. And this has been going on for three years.

“It isn’t a cold or a runny nose - she’s seriously ill.”

During his protest Mr Blacka claims to have received “a lot of support and thumbs up” from passers-by.

Two police officers responded to the centre’s call, but had no concerns over Mr Blacka’s peaceful protest. The Healthcare Commission said it does not comment on individual cases.