HANWELL Ambulance, Ealing and Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Care - a personal tribute based on experiences and observations of a patient.

One reads many adverse comments in the press concerning the NHS.

Many of these I feel could be exaggerated, unfair and unjustified. These remarks can only further demoralise the genuine hardworking nursing staff.

I am therefore compelled to write about my experiences to redress the balance.

I had a cardiac arrest and my life was first saved through the prompt action of my wife and the sustained efforts of the Hanwell ambulance team. The treatment I received was fantastic.

I was in hospital for seven weeks, when my life was again saved several times through the skill, dedication and sheer persistence of the surgeons, cardiologists, doctors and nurses. I passed through Accident & Emergency, Intensive Care and High Dependency, where I survived, although my chances were extremely slight. My wife said:

"They did not give up".

I then spent several weeks in cardiology wards four and five South with several visits by ambulance to Hammersmith Hospital.

A considerable amount of time and resources have been expended on my wellbeing and I have had numerous medical procedures performed upon me - again, so that I may still be alive.

What I have personally experienced and been fortunate enough to observe is a revelation.

I wish to put on record my total gratitude, thanks, admiration and praise for the ambulance team and hospital staff that cared for or treated me.

I did not realise that such people still existed.

I cannot think of enough adjectives to properly describe these exceptional and wonderful people.

However, try to conjure up in your imagination - smiling, dedicated, compassionate, patient, generous of spirit, selfless, unstinting, conscientious and considerate.

ALAN BAILEY

Hanwell