I RECENTLY spent five days in York Hospital having a hip replacement operation. The care I received during my stay in Ward 26, from every quarter, cleaning staff, porters, physios, nurses and doctors, was exceptional.

The food too was good and I was lucky to have great company from my fellow patients. Just one example of the kindness shown to us, on one hot day, a nurse treated us all in the ward to an ice-cream to cheer us up.

I had been dreading the whole experience, but as I was wheeled out on being discharged with my 'get well' helium balloon floating above the wheelchair, saying my thank-yous, my daughter remarked that it was more like leaving a party than a hospital ward.

Please print this letter to publicly thank all those concerned, to show the excellence of the NHS at its best and to reassure any patient who may be waiting for similar treatment.

Could I also express my love and gratitude to my family and many friends, for their valued support in my recovery period, very much appreciated.

Yvonne Rickatson,

Lodge Farm,

Fangfoss, York.

Updated: 11:19 Monday, May 24, 2004