Sir – I have recently come out of hospital after an accident breaking my hip. I read so many bad things about hospital care these days that it is frightening, especially for the elderly. I am 82 and getting better all the time, thanks to the care from the ambulance crews to the physiotherapists. I cannot thank them enough.

The ambulance crew consisted of two young lady paramedics, who dealt with my pain with great care and tenderness. This was continued on reception at the hospital. I was given a bed on the trauma ward and operated on as soon as there was a space available. That night, they were operating all night, so I wasn’t alone with my pain. The gentle considerate porters took me to theatre where the anaesthetist kept me laughing all the way to the theatre.

I was not moved from my bed, until I was under the anaesthetic and I came round in my bed, so I was not moved again to give me any pain. Back on the ward, the nurses were kind and thoughtful. Bed pan spills were dealt with immediately and with grace.

Not once was I made to feel a nuisance because of them. My sheets were changed and I was left feeling comfortable. As an ex-nurse myself, I could not fault them.

When it came to getting out of bed, the physiotherapists came along for the exercises. They were kind but firm. I needed to make progress, so appreciated this.

Within 12 days I could climb the stairs and was ready to go home. I was fitted out with the necessary equipment, walking frame, toilet seats, hand rails etc to enable me to cope at home, where my care has continued with a visiting physiotherapist twice weekly.

I can only say that the care has been superb from start to now. I have even been offered further physiotherapy after the visits have finished in the New Year. What more could I possibly ask for?

Margaret Clark, Headington