Gold star for our NHS services

Sir, – Having been admitted to Ward 36 in Ninewells for an operation on Wednesday February 28, after very heavy snow in Fife and Dundee, I feel I must pay tribute to all the hospital staff I encountered.

Travel to the hospital was difficult for everyone but staff members made tremendous efforts to be there that day and the next – digging out cars, waiting for buses, taking taxis, walking considerable distances or staying overnight on the premises.

My operation went forward (apparently successfully) and after-care in the ward was wonderful.

Surgeons, registrars, anaesthetists, nurses and student nurses – even the porter who took me down to theatre – were all unfailingly attentive, cheerful and kindly.

Everyone took time to speak to patients, to explain or reassure.

In what must have been a difficult situation for everyone involved in our already-stretched NHS, no one would have known that there were any particular pressures on the staff.

We are justly proud of our local health service.

Helen Lawrenson. 51 Bay Road, Wormit.

In what must have been a difficult situation for everyone involved in our already-stretched NHS, no one would have known that there were any particular pressures on the staff