I AM compelled to write this piece in praise and sincere humble thanks to the nursing and surgical teams at Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny. I was rushed into their AEU department on December 12 with suspected appendicitis. What happened next was a CT scan which showed I not only had appendicitis that had burst but several other problems, which proved to be life-threatening.

All this came as a complete shock as although I had not been feeling well I had no idea I was so ill. The care and kindness that I received on wards 2/2 and 3/3 was absolutely outstanding. I have never been to hospital before and at 55 years everything was so alien. The genuine and constant care I received was so reassuring and professional I felt I was really cared for and about.

I underwent a seven-and-a-half-hour operation where the surgeon saved my life by his diligence, knowledge and expertise. I shall be forever in his debt for the amount of care he gave me and the thoroughness of his work.

We are always hearing about the failings in the NHS and I am not in any way decrying other people’s experiences, but when the NHS works we must surely have the most dedicated, caring and fabulous people working in it.

I was treated with the utmost respect by every member of staff I met, from the lovely tea ladies to the doctors, nurses and top surgeon.

My clumsy words are in no way a fitting tribute to all those fabulous people at Nevill Hall but I hope they know I am grateful. I am, and what a wonderful and appreciated job they do.

Thank you.

Tina Griffin Springfield Road Sebastopol