I AM indignant at all the complaints made about Northwick Park Hospital. In December last year my very handicapped daughter Jacqui had dental treatment, with very serious consequences because of her particular condition. They warned me that she could die in the process. The whole team was highly efficient and very caring from beginning to end.

Six months later I found myself in Northwick Park Hospital again because Jacqui had a fall for which I had to call an ambulance. From the moment the ambulance arrived - within five to eight minutes - until she left the hospital six weeks later I have no end of praise and admiration for the dedication, efficiency and loving care of the whole team in the AA Unit and Lister Unit.

Surgeons, doctors and nurses are not magicians or miracle workers but fellow human beings doing their utmost to ease suffering and bring back health. I have seen them at work totally giving themselves, their patience tested to the limit, exhausted by the sheer amount of work, yet still smiling and giving words of encouragement at the end of the day.

I beg everyone who writes to the press, if you have any negative comments, please try to give a balanced picture because it is hardly ever all negative and, as the proverb goes, "one word of praise will save you a thousand reprimands". That is all it takes to transform the world into a much brighter and happier place to live in.

CHRISTIANE KOBUS

Via email