Sir - I would like to write in appreciation of the wonderful care I have received in the John Radcliffe hospital during recent months. Having had two major operations under NHS care, the treatment, kindness, cheerfulness and expertise at all levels have been exemplary. No effort was spared to give me every chance of a successful outcome, nor was any effort spared to give me every comfort.

I have subsequently been receiving physiotherapy and prosthetic expertise from staff at the NOC and cannot praise enough their dedicated and intensive care, given with such willingness, kindness and again cheerfulness; I run out of superlatives! Three cheers - and more - for the NHS and its workers.

Neil H. Kitching, Oxford