"First class service from a brilliant hospital."

Given how often the NHS comes under criticism, I feel obliged to write, in the most favourable terms, regarding my recent experience.

Having suffered what, on early evidence, might have been a minor stroke, I received the best possible service from everyone concerned, first at A&E triage and then at the Rapid Access TIA clinic at PRUH Orpington.

This occurred on a Sunday in August, a period when it is often said hospitals are under-staffed.

On the contrary, there was a full service, including an excellent consultant in charge. The Dr and their team provided an exemplary service including immediate CT Scans, a range of tests and the following day an MRI scan.

Even though the unit was extremely busy, the nurses and other staff gave my wife and I every consideration, even tea and biscuits while waiting !

Finally, the consultant left no corner unturned and gave a full account and explanation of my experience.

It proved to be a nerve palsy not a stroke at all, but the unit left nothing to chance.

I cannot speak more highly of everyone concerned - including the Dr at A&E, the technicians in the MRI unit (who were marvellously reassuring for a novice !) and, of course the consultant.

It also made one acutely aware of how much our NHS also depends on staff from Europe and further afield, without whose skill, experience and professionalism we would not be able to offer this high quality service.

And, after all the tests, I feel I have the best medical MOT possible !