IF you just listened to the national media you would think our health service was in complete disarray, but we forget the hundreds of stories that must be occurring every day of what a privilege it is to have the NHS.

One of these stories happened to me recently.

Waking on a Saturday morning, I knew I needed to see a doctor and soon. I phoned the NHS line on 111 and they immediately found me an appointment at noon and then the lovely GP referred me directly to A&E.

I arrived and was sent straight through to the clinical assessment unit. Over the next four-and-a-half hours I was given an ECG, a scan of my abdominal region, an X-ray, blood pressure, urine tests, blood tests – those are the ones I remember! All carried out by different professionals who were all delightful, respectful of me as a patient and really caring.

Everything worked for me, all of the referrals were smooth, people were lovely and the service left nothing to doubt.

I’m now on the mend, but felt the need to say: ‘Let’s hear it for the NHS!’ They are fantastic!

MARK HUBBARD Events director, Friends of Castle Green Quay Street Hereford