AFTER almost two months in York and Castle Hill, Hull hospitals having open heart surgery, I returned home to watch the media hammering the National Health Service as usual.

Stop pounding the NHS for the odd mistake - we all make mistakes in our lives or businesses at times. Thousands of people owe their lives to the NHS and return home without the worry of medical bills as in other countries.

Another myth is that the NHS doesn't bother with you if you are old - nonsense! I, and thousands like me, are living proof that they do. In Castle Hill hospital my heart surgeon, Mr Cale, operated on, and saved the life of, an 80-year-old woman.

The staff in both hospitals, from cleaners to surgeons, are dedicated to the patients at all times and the food and the cleanliness are first class too. Don't knock the NHS until you have tried it.

I thank friends, relations, York MP Hugh Bayley MP, city police chief John Lacy and my local councillor Viv Kind for their good wishes for my recovery.

Brian Rowan,

Fourth Avenue, York.

...MY gratitude and thanks go to Mr Hayward and his team in the eye clinic at York Hospital for their care during the past 11 years.

After undergoing the operation to remove a cataract, I can now see clearly. Many thanks for giving me a brighter world.

Joyce Winham,

Hallcroft Lane,

Copmanthorpe,

York.

Updated: 11:30 Thursday, February 12, 2004