Sir, – There has been of late many complaints in the media about the NHS. Can my wife and I put the opposite case?

We are both nearly 80 and have had nothing but care and consideration in our contacts with Darlington, Northallerton and Middlesbrough NHS hospitals and their staff. Over the past six years my wife has had treatment for breast cancer, two operations to have stents fitted after heart attacks, a shoulder replacement and a hysterectomy, followed by 22 treatments of radiotherapy.

I have had an operation to remove a gall bladder and for prostate cancer with a complete cure.

We have nothing but praise for the consideration and professionalism of all the medical staff. We were both always dealt with promptly and given full knowledge of the proposed treatments about to be carried out. We would acknowledge the quick reactions of our local GP who in all cases was very prompt to arrange appointments with the appropriate specialists.

As in life generally I have found from experience that medical staff respond as we all do to being spoken to and treated with respect and consideration.

NORMA and DEREK NEWTON

Richmond, North Yorkshire.