Sir, –In view of the recent bad press received by hospitals, I feel compelled to write and express my views on our own local hospital, the Friarage at Northallerton.

I recently had need to spend almost two weeks as an in-patient in Allen Ward at the Friarage and was extremely impressed by the standard of care given to all patients.

Nothing is too much trouble for any of the staff – doctors, nurses, health care assistants and domestic staff alike – they were all totally professional and unflappable, however run-off their feet they were.

As regards the question of infections which still seems to be an ongoing problem in hospitals nationwide, the standard of hygiene in Allen Ward was impeccable.

I have always maintained how lucky we are to have the Friarage; now having had firsthand experience of the quality of service delivered I can only reinforce just how fortunate we are and express my, and my family’s, gratitude to them.

DENNIS McGREGOR Northallerton