Hospital and its staff are now world class

IN 1999 I had the misfortune to be a patient for 10 days at Merthyr’s Prince Charles Hospital. I left vowing I’d never willingly set foot there again and bemoaning the low standard of virtually everything I experienced.

During August/September my wife spent six weeks there with first a mini-stroke, followed by gall bladder deep surgery.

The transformation has been unbelievable. The staff now, from senior surgeon to the hard-working cleaners, are a tremendous credit to the NHS, both in terms of their professionalism and attitude, which means that patients and visitors are treated with respect and a welcoming kindness that makes one feel confident that their loved ones are in the good safe hands of people who care.

The hospital is immaculately clean, vibrant and purposeful, and an outstanding impression is the wonderful mix of nationalities among the staff.

When my wife was admitted in emergency with her mini-stroke, the way and the speed with which she was treated and progressed through the stages of treatment was fantastic. I had the essential assurance that she could not be in better hands.

Finally, you cannot help but be impressed by the quality and range of services and equipment now available. We should not believe much of the anti-NHS rubbish we see printed these days.

Our hospitals, certainly Prince Charles, are world-beaters and our multi-national staff deserve enormous praise for their professionalism, and our gratitude for their dedication and skills.

Kel Palmer Mountain Ash