"Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, right shoulder."

I received treatment at the Day Surgery Unit Kent and Canterbury Hospital on 11th June. Staff, from reception through all stages of the procedure right up to my discharge from the Unit, were incredibly helpful, professional and very kind.

Special mention and heartfelt thanks to the anesthetist and nursing team on the recovery ward. I cannot praise them enough. They were extremely professional, patient and concerned about monitoring and managing the pain I initially experienced. They worked together, cheerfully and positively to bring the pain under control. Nothing was too much trouble. They communicated with me at all times whilst making me more comfortable and I received clear instructions for further care and use of prescribed medication before I left.

I received five-star care from start to finish, all tempered with empathy, kindness and smiles, even late in the evening when they must all have had a very long and tiring day. They were wonderful.

In this age when it seems, it is fashionable to hurl negative criticism at the NHS we should remember how very fortunate we are to have free access to this amazing service, which we all take for granted and which is still the envy of the world. We should also remember that the NHS is made up of inspirational people operating within the service who give their very best on a daily basis and regularly go above and beyond in order to care for us when we are at our most vulnerable. Thank you again to the terrific team who looked after me from start to finish on Monday, you are all amazing ambassadors for our wonderful NHS,

Please pass on my thanks and gratitude to all those concerned.

Richard Henley