"my experience of Louth hospital"

Dear Sir

I have been a regular visitor to your hospital for the past 2.5 years at which time I was diagnosed as having contracted bladder cancer.

Throughout this period I have received excellent care from all departments which in some way have had involvement in my case.

The staff in the urology department have at all times given me 100% re-assurance and have always been available during the daytime to address any problem that may have arisen. Unfortunately having a narrow urethral structure this from time to time has required that I undergo a rigid cystoscopy, in that respect I have had to undergo a short stay on the Fotherby ward. The staff have been kindness itself and being a regular have tended to treat me as a friend rather that just another patient.

This positive response has also been expressed by theatre staff who have always described to me their various roles as well as reassuring me with some very light hearted banter.

On Feb 12 I began passing blood which gave me some concern. In that respect, my wife brought me to your Urgent Care Centre.

I was seen on reception on arrival; subsequently given an examination by a nurse. A doctor who had seen the sample I provided made an immediate diagnosis and provided me with appropriate medication. The whole procedure was dealt with in twenty minutes requiring no waiting around in waiting rooms whatsoever.

I am writing this in part because I see so much negativity in the media about the health service.

I do not know whether Louth is similar to many other hospitals.

In my book, however, it is a shining example of how a hospital should be run and clearly a credit to all the dedicated staff whose main concern is the welfare and comfort of the patient.