Sir, – May I take the opportunity to express my thanks through the letters page to the staff at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, for my recent stay there.

On Wednesday, April 22, I was taken by ambulance to the A&E department and then transferred to the clinical decisions unit (CDU) to undergo investigations on a severe headache. The pain was awful; I actually considered I may be having a brain haemorrhage.

Following a lumbar puncture (I didn't feel much like head banging to Spinal Tap at the time) I was given the all-clear and assured that the headache was not of a serious nature.

From the gentleman who took my emergency call, to the ambulance crew, the reception staff at the Friarage, Dr "Paul" who assessed me, Charlene, the nurse who transferred me to the CDU and all of the CDU staff, I was given the very best of attention. Nothing was too much trouble for them.

I also wish to thank my friends and neighbours who all rallied round with practical help for both me and my wife.

Thank you, all, so much.

MARTIN DIMMOCK

West Burton, Leyburn.