THROUGH your paper I would like to express my appreciation and thanks to the wonderful staff at the Bournemouth hospital and the Harvey medical practice in Broadstone.

In August 2012, during a routine check, my GP, Dr Cartwright, referred me to Bournemouth hospital due to a raised PSA blood level.

After seeing a urology consultant, Miss Bromwich, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I am 49 years old and I was totally devastated.

Talking through the various options with Miss Bromwich, it was agreed that my best option was surgery to remove the prostate.

I was terrified due to the possible side effects.

My surgeon was Mr A Wedderburn, who the staff assured me was a very skillful surgeon and had performed this operation on many occasions.

On December 20, my prostate was removed; by February 24, I was booked fit to return to work as a full time firefighter in London.

Just two and a half months after my operation, I returned to work cancer free with very few side effects.

This was only possible, due to the brilliance of the NHS staff, to whom I owe my life. It’s easy to ‘knock’ the NHS when we only ever hear the negative stories, but please think twice before you do; as my experience has shown, when you need it – it is life-saving.

T BRYANT Lower Blandford Road, Broadstone