"Respected local hospital"

I had an operation on my leg in April at Shotley Bridge Hospital. The staff were very pleasant and reassuring. I was given a cup of tea while I waited in my own little room. I had been told to take a dressing gown and slippers and I changed into these before my operation.

After my operation I was wheeled back to my room where I got changed into my outdoor clothes and was given a cup of tea and a small packed of biscuits, which was very welcome. I was very impressed with the whole set-up.

A few weeks later I had to go to Durham for a further op. on the same place. I was VERY disappointed at the set-up there. Into the theatre, change clothes in front of everyone, after the op. get dressed again and told "You can go now".

Give me Shotley Bridge every time, not that I want another operation!, but because it is OUR hospital and we NEED it. Consett is getting bigger as more and more houses are being built, even in the hospital grounds, so there are more and more people who will need the hospital.

Please save Shotley Bridge Hospital.