Letter: Everyone at hospital deserves praise for their excellent care

On February 12, I was admitted as an emergency patient to The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry.

I was placed in the care of a consultant spinal surgeon and his team. I was an in-patient on Clwyd ward.

The ward caters for 26 patients with hip/knee replacement procedures being carried out daily.

On February 20, after an MRI scan, I received major spinal surgery conducted by my consultant spinal surgeon.

I arrived at the theatre block unit at 3.30pm. I was procedure number 42 for that date. This gives an indication how many surgical procedures are conducted in the seven theatres.

I was discharged from the hospital on February 23. During my stay I observed and noted the following:

1. Patients on Clwyd ward came from various locations in England and Wales. In response to my question why travel to Oswestry for surgery? Their responses were all very similar, "I researched my procedure on the internet and RJAH was described as a centre of excellence for my operation, so I chose Oswestry."

2. The wards received a very thorough daily cleanse by cleaners employed by the hospital, and not contract cleaners. The cleaners took personal pride in the appearance of 'their' hospital.

3. The food was nutritional and varied, the hospital catered for all tastes. I would compare the food served up to me as compatible with food I have eaten in four-star hotels around the world.

4. Finally, and most importantly, the nursing staff were second to none, they were professional and showed compassion at all times. They were continually kept busy with patients returning from the theatres. I noted that the nursing staff were also drawn from the local community. Their commitment to the profession they serve is beyond reproach, and can only be described as excellent.

Shropshire has three main hospitals; The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, The Princess Royal Hospital, Telford and The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry.

The local media regularly gives updates on the performances of The Royal Shrewsbury and The Princess Royal, we rarely hear of the RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital. I hope that this letter will help to redress the issue.

John Ingham

Shrewsbury