ON January 13, I had day surgery at York Hospital. Despite A&E and the wards being on red alert due to the large numbers of patients over Christmas, the surgery went ahead.

All of the staff were friendly and professional. People are quick to criticise the caring profession for not caring.

This is not what I saw.

I could hear what was going on and I knew some of them never had breaks at all and some were getting their lunch breaks at 4pm, working 13-hour shifts and exhausted.

Despite all the abuse and pressure the nursing staff can face on a daily basis, my treatment was A*.

I felt completely safe and looked after.

It’s about time someone applauded these hard working and selfless individuals, and all the care staff throughout the hospital.

They work in an amazing team under immense pressure and they made sure my procedure went smoothly.

I even had lovely tea and toast after.

Nurses, receptionists, recovery nurses, porters, cleaners, theatre staff and health-care assistants, I applaud you.

Thank you for putting patients first.

Thank you for a caring job well done.

Elaine Hildrick, Easingwold Road, Huby, York.