HAVING recently spent three weeks at the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, I cannot praise highly enough the nursing staff in my ward (4A). The medical team was also excellent but direct contact was infrequent (usually when one was a bit dopey...).

The media tend to play up difficulties within the NHS but what they don't do is highlight the great work being done on the ground. The nurses, and assistants, on my ward, were at all times cheery, energetic and efficient. Although overworked – and often understaffed – they dealt with patients' concerns in a sympathetic, yet practical manner.

Several of the nurses who looked after me were young and maybe just qualified but they were well trained and displayed a professional, caring attitude.

Despite the personal inconvenience, I couldn't have been in a better place!

– Jenny Wray, Clanna Road, Alvington