"if you have a good story to tell you should do"

Recently I have attended the Royal Preston Hospital assisting elderly relatives and neighbours.

Without exception I have been delighted with the service they have received. They have encountered courteous professionals who have taken time and trouble to explain the nature of their individual problems and the possible range of treatment.

My visits included accompanying an elderly lady who had fallen and hurt her ribs. She was advised by a district nurse visiting her home to dress a leg ulcer that she should visit A&E and have an examination to see if there are fractures. I anticipated, possible after seeing media reports, that the visit would not be a pleasant experience and take many hours.

The reality could not have been more different. My neighbour and I were met at all times by very competent individuals who operated a screening system. We met separately a nurse and a doctor who were to put it simply, a credit to the NHS.

I visited the Ophthalmology department and again from beginning to end the service was exemplary. You might take the view that this is what you would expect from your colleagues.

However, for many who do not need to use or visit the Royal Preston their perception is that the NHS is an organisation in crisis.

This is clearly wrong and unfair to you and your dedicated colleagues.

My experience is if you have a good story to tell you should do and the public will listen and attitudes will improve.

It is the public who fund the Health Service and they may in the future be asked to pay more. I suspect they will be happier to do so, if they know about all the good work.

However, a review is needed of the front of hospital experience. The reception and receptionists are 1st class.

The rules on smoking should be implemented and the loss of income on the car park should be addressed today.