Re: The NHS Loudwater Surgery Wycombe and Oxford Churchill Hospitals

I WAS delighted to see Chris Rae's letter in The Star (February 8).

In September 1999, I was losing feeling and control in my legs. My GP contacted me as soon as he had the result of a spine X-ray which revealed a serious problem. Within a day I was in The Radcliffe Infirmary, by the second day there was an initial diagnosis and transfer to the Churchill Cancer Department.

I received a course of daily radiotherapy at the Churchill as a day patient. That completed, I was fortunate to be put into the hands of the people that Chris Rae mentioned, the Haematology Department at Wycombe.

I received chemotherapy and was an in-patient for more extensive treatment. I returned to work in September 2000 and now visit the new extended unit about every six weeks for a check-up and drugs.

Throughout all of this experience, I cannot fault our NHS and those who dealt with me. Despite the pressures, they always have the time to discuss treatments and all related issues. Very complex things are patiently explained at length. The Wycombe Haematology Department also had the time to raise the funds for the new unit.

Recently in the national press failings of the NHS system have been highlighted.

I am a teacher, so I know the effect on morale that being knocked by the media can have, especially when you are as dedicated and hard-working as the people I am writing about.

I really think it is time that the experiences of Chris Rae, myself and millions of others were given publicity. The NHS people that I have experienced are all wonderful and deserve praise and encouragement.

Andy Cook, Tamar Close, Loudwater