I FEEL it's important to comment, from a personal aspect, on the excellent treatment and care I received while a patient on Ward 17 at the Alexandra Hospital, Redditch, where I had surgery performed on both knees recently.

Firstly, I was delighted to be allocated a bed after a 'cancellation' had occurred, as there is such a pressure on bed availability in any 24 hour period, with nurses, doctors, and all staff working flat out in providing the maximum treatment and care to the residents of Bromsgrove and Redditch.

In one of our scrutiny reports a few months back on a visit to the Alex's catering department we ( seven councillors) stressed the excellent preparation, quality, and presentation of food to the bedside.

I can now comment on the nourishing aspect of the food, having experienced it over a 24 hour period, where staff expertise demonstrated the high quality that nurses particularly are delivering to patients. It gives us all great confidence in our local health service. Well done to all staff.

Cllr David McGrath

(Beacon Ward -

Bromsgrove District Council)