"Superb treatment and very caring staff."

I counted myself very lucky to have reached my mid-sixties without ever having to stay in hospital. That changed a couple of weeks ago when I was taken into Tameside Hospital with severe abdominal pains.

I was rapidly diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and admitted to a surgical ward. Further timely testing revealed a large number of gall stones.

I was not at all happy to be there, and I was very alarmed at the diagnosis and news that my gall bladder should be removed.

Full marks to the surgeon and to their assistant for the way to they managed me, my anxiety and the skill with which they persuaded me to remain there and undergo the operation. The operation was performed without delay, went smoothly and left me with very little discomfort and a minimum of physical evidence that it had occurred.

Similarly, full marks to the nursing, and ancillary staff on Surgical Ward A, for their obvious commitment to patients. They displayed a high level of professionalism, a sincere interest in the wellbeing of patients in their care, and a very healthy approach to hard work.

I have formerly been in a privileged position whereby the hospital and it's management strategies fell within my remit as Chair of the council's Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Panel, and from that viewpoint, over time, I have been more than impressed by the measures implemented by the present leadership to improve upon the hospital's previous reputation and standards.

It is therefore very gratifying to have been be able to witness at first hand, and from a personal perspective, just what excellent treatment can be given there and the first class expertise and dedication of all those with whom I came into contact with during my (unexpected) stay.