Sir, �— I see and read so much negative information regarding the country's ambulance, hospital and medical services that I wish to record my own very positive experience of the Darlington area facilities.

I became very ill at home in the early hours of Tuesday, August 5. My wife called 999 and within three minutes or so a paramedic lady came to assist. She was followed by an ambulance two or three minutes later. What an excellent response time.

I was brought round from three episodes of black-outs by firstly my wife and then secondly by the emergency staff and taken immediately to the Memorial Hospital. They saved my life three times. I was admitted immediately upon arrival, no waiting in the car park for admission.

In the Memorial Hospital, I blacked out again and was quickly seen by consultant Dr D Koziara who interrogated my previously inserted loop recorder. He said immediately "You need a pace-maker. I can probably give you one today or on Friday."

I was given a pace-maker at 2pm that very day. The results are astounding. I am a new man. I was cared for in the cardiac care unit and given excellent care in that ward. Nothing was a problem in any of the hospital facilities.

In summary, I 'died' four times starting at 5am and by 3pm on the same day I was a new man with a 'new heart'. What better example can there be of well organised motivated organisations achieving their purposes.

I wish to record my heart-felt thanks to all the members of staff who looked after me on this occasion.

C A CLAMP

Hurworth, Darlington.