I RECENTLY spent two weeks on an orthopaedic ward at Fairfield Hospital, Bury, and have nothing but praise for the treatment I received.

I was unfortunate enough to have an accident while on holiday in Minorca, where I spent eight days in hospital after an operation for a broken hip. I was flown to Gatwick airport and transferred by ambulance to Fairfield, arriving about 4.30am.

I had to endure another operation to put right the one I had had in Minorca. The standard of nursing on Ward 8 at Fairfield was exemplary; the hygiene standards put in place were strictly adhered to, and the food was of a high standard and delicious. Nothing was too much trouble for the nursing and other staff.

I felt I had to say something positive as there are enough people ready to deride the NHS. It is about time they had some praise.

MARGERY HODGKINSON