"GRATEFUL AND DELIGHTED"

Last December I went in for a hydrocelectomy. As I have 'white coat syndrome', it's never easy for me to have anything medical done... but the staff were brilliant. I was warmly welcomed, plenty of reassurance given, and taken through every step of the procedure. By the time I was given a general anaesthetic I was looking forward (almost) to the experience.

I woke up in the care of a very caring nurse who assured me everything had gone very well. I was then wheeled off to a small ward where yet again the nurses and other members of the team were helpful and reassuring. I stayed overnight - apparently standard procedure for us senior citizens - and woke up ravenous!

After the usual checks, I was discharged, picked up my family, and gave a fond farewell to those who had looked after me so well.

As a teacher, I have a fair idea of the immense pressures the NHS is under, and I doff my cap to all those wonderful people who make the NHS what is it - the gem in the crown of this country.