THERE has been a lot of bad press in recent weeks concerning the NHS but my experience has been totally different.

My 87-year-old mother was experiencing severe stomach pains in the early hours of September 27. I called 999 and within 15 minutes the paramedic arrived to administer morphine.

From that time, my mother could not have received better care.

The ambulance staff were excellent. By 9.30am my mother was on the way to the operating theatre with a perforated bowel. The surgical team were excellent and mother received exemplary care from the nurses on the ITU, HDU and Leadon wards.

The stoma and district nurses have been unfailingly supportive.

In summary, my mother could not have received better care if she had paid for it. So thank you to all the staff who have given my mother back to us.

R HOOPER Kimbolton