Sir, – We often hear negative stories about the NHS, but I would like to give a big thank you to my surgeon, Mr Saeed, and all the staff in Gara ward, at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton.

I had a hip replacement operation on March 26 carried out by Mr Saeed and his theatre team and spent a total of eight days in hospital. The surgeon and his staff put me at ease with their friendly, reassuring and relaxed manner. All his patients were visited daily and he would not let me out until he was satisfied that my wound was healing, so I was not pushed out early by managers wanting beds.

The nursing staff were friendly, meticulous in treating and monitoring progress, and nothing was too much trouble, even if it was towards the end of a 12- hour shift.

The occupational therapist and the physiotherapy team had me out of bed within about 24 hours after the operation, moving with a walking frame and progressing to elbow crutches to help me to walk up stairs – all performed in a cheerful and encouraging manner.

Menus were delivered about an hour before a meal and choice was made when the trolley arrived. What a civilised way of offering food – very different from the old system of choosing the day before. The food was varied and cheerfully served by domestic staff.

The cleaners came around at different times of the day carrying out their duties with care and friendliness.

We need local hospitals like this one and we must fight to keep them open.

KATE EMPSALL Helm, Askrigg.