I FEEL sorry for Irene Bowes who had such a dreadful experience in York District Hospital (November 19). It must have been awful for her.

However, I would hate the whole hospital to be tarred with the same brush. Last year I was admitted to the hospital twice as an emergency case and had to spend Christmas and the New Year on Ward 26.

Eventually I had to have a hip operation while on the same ward and I cannot praise the staff enough.

The two ward sisters, nurses, cleaners and meals staff were hard-working, kind and cheerful - nothing was too much trouble for them. As were the 'vampires', radiographers, X-ray and ultrasound people. The surgeon and his staff were also cheerful, kind and explained everything to me as it was happening.

I thank York District Hospital for its caring professionalism.

Mrs B A Bullivant,

Brailsford Crescent,

Water Lane,

Clifton, York.

...HOW sad to read of Mrs Irene Bowes' traumatic experience in YDH.

My husband was admitted to the hospital very ill and spent eight weeks and later a further ten days on Ward 35. He couldn't have been given better treatment and nursing care if he had been royalty.

The staff were so caring, but so busy and hard worked. They always had a cheerful, kind word. Nothing was too much trouble for them. It is a wonderful team from the Ward Sister to the cleaning lady, and I thank God they were there for him.

Anne Dobson,

Merlin Court,

Huntington,

York.

Updated: 11:18 Friday, November 22, 2002