Sir – The NHS receives such bad press that I thought it important there should be a letter recording my experience in the John Radcliffe Hospital.

My heart sank when it was clear I needed to be admitted. How wrong this apprehension turned out to be. I was examined by a bewildering succession of staff using state-of-the-art equipment in many departments with no delay between each. Everywhere there was kindness, consideration, encouragement, thoroughness from the most senior to the most junior individual. There seemed to be a good relationship between staff which enabled me to relax. I was in wonderful hands and have only the highest praise and gratitude for the institution.

Avril Denby, Kidlington