NOWADAYS all one seems to read and hear about is how inefficient and incapable the National Health Service is.

Well, in my experience that is completely untrue.

In late April I saw my doctor, Dr Ottley, because I had noticed I had an inguinal hernia.

The next day I was contacted and given a choice of three hospitals, Bournemouth, Poole or Wimborne, to make an appointment to see a consultant.

I chose Wimborne and was given an appointment for the 16th May.

On 16th May I was seen by Judy Mella, who confirmed I needed an operation.

I was asked if I had any holidays planned, and I confirmed I would be away from the 22nd to the 29th May.

The following day I rang the appointment department and they confirmed I could have the operation on Friday 31st May.

On that Friday I went into the Day Case Surgery Unit at Victoria Hospital, Wimborne at 1pm and was back home having had the operation by 7.30pm that evening. Only a matter of weeks after my original visit to Dr Ottley. I want everyone to know how impressed I am with the treatment I have received and I am very grateful to my doctor, the consultant, the nurses on the ward, in fact everyone involved with my case.

The operation was so skilfully carried out that I have not needed any painkillers at all, and everything is healing up nicely.

I want to thank everyone, you are all a credit to the NHS and you should all be very proud of the jobs you do. I could not have had better treatment anywhere. Well done NHS.

KEN JEFFRIES Fernlea Gardens, Ferndown