We must talk up Ninewells

Sir, – I was rather disappointed to see Derek Farmer’s letter in The Courier on September 5.

His contribution adds to the growing list of public criticisms of Ninewells Hospital, which could easily be dispiriting for staff and discouraging for potential patients.

Obviously the hospital has been let down by the failures of a few

individuals, but that is not unusual in large organisations.

In contrast, I and many other former and present patients are extremely grateful for the efficient and considerate care that we received from almost all of the staff that we encountered at Ninewells.

During the last 20 years I have been served by at least six departments at the hospital, most recently this year when I had a spinal operation conducted by a neurosurgeon.

I think that on all of those occasions I could not have received better care.

Everyone involved was helpful and efficient and I thank them all.

It is about time that the local community woke up to the fact that they should be grateful that they have, at Ninewells, an outstanding hospital which will serve them well when they need hospital treatment.

We should celebrate the fact that Ninewells is in Dundee and not repeatedly seek to denigrate it. John Grinyer. 81b Dundee Road, Broughty Ferry.