WE hear in the news today that many hospitals are failing in the standards of care given to patients, mainly the older people in the community.

We are indeed most fortunate in the excellent hospitals we have in this area.

Just recently I was admitted to the Derwent Wing at The Royal Bournemouth Hospital and can honestly say that the care I was given there was second to none.

Without exception I found staff of all grades to be most efficient.

Nothing was too much trouble and everything was done with a smile.

This same efficiency was also found in the outpatient department when patients were seen on time and with extreme courtesy.

I am a retired trained nurse and had high standards of care when I worked and always expect to be treated the same myself. I was not disappointed.

My treatment was under the NHS but I would not have had better care if I had paid for private treatment.

MARGARET WHITE, Address Supplied