One has been hearing so many adverse reports of treatment and management problems in hospitals, plus MRSA, that I feel I must write a letter of praise.

Last week I came out of Alex ward in the Roehampton Wing of Kingston Hospital after over five weeks. I have spent nearly eight months this year in Alex, Aston and Sycamore wards under the gifted surgeons Messrs Bloom, Dick and Morley plus Dr Phillips and their teams of doctors, nurses, auxilliaries and cleaning staff.

I was shown courtesy and sympathy as necessary, and nothing was too much trouble. The wards were spotless, and at mealtimes it was a team effort to ensure every patient was satisfactorily fed. There was always a cheery word for all patients.

Incidently, all staff have been fundraising for the proposed cancer wing and need your support - they certainly have mine.

I am home now and making a slow recovery, which would not have been possible without those great people.

JOHN COOK Vallis Way Hook