HAVING listened to a talk on Women's Hour on the radio about the complete lack of hygiene in hospitals, I feel I have to write about Ward 16, of the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.

Before admittance, a letter tells the patients that Ward 16 is a 'bug free' ward, and everyone is asked to keep it so. The staff are very proud of their high standard of hygiene and cleanliness. And well they should be.

During my recent stay I never saw anyone move between patients without washing and/or after physical contact, but also after contact with bed linen or paperwork.

There are no flowers on the ward. This may seem a bit extreme, but it eliminates the chance of germs growing in stagnant water. The daily cleaning round was thorough. Not just a flip around, but moving the lockers and dusting behind. I was in this same ward five years ago and the difference is incredible.

A word of praise and thanks must also go to all the staff. Whatever the colour of their uniform, they were friendly, cheerful and encouraging. Although most of the time they are run off their feet, and at times obviously tired, the welfare of their patients always comes first. So, a very big thank you and well done.

Sheila Collins

Old Birmingham Road

Bromsgrove