I AM pleased to say that I have had little reason to use Wycombe General Hospital's Accident & Emergency unit in the 30 years I have lived in the area.

However, after all the bad publicity that National Health Service hospitals have attracted recently, I feared the worst when my two-year old granddaughter hurt her arm and I had to take her there, in the early hours of a Sunday morning three weeks ago.

In fact, her arm was assessed, X-rayed and plastered in no time at all. My Swiss daughter-in-law, who is used to speed and efficiency, was highly impressed.

Last Saturday it was my turn.

People who do DIY should take great care with Stanley knives. If you stick them in your leg it can mean a trip to A&E! At least it was an opportunity to check whether my previous good experience had been a fluke.

But no the staff were so friendly and efficient that I could hardly have had better service anywhere. The receptionist, assessing nurse, doctor and treating nurse were all outstanding and it was clear that they were giving other patients the same level of treatment.

Staff morale seemed excellent. Less than an hour later I was on my way home.

My thanks to all the A&E staff at Wycombe.

You are more appreciated than you may think.

Nick Evans

Roundlands

Lacey Green

Princes Risborough