I WOULD first like to express my sympathy toward Janet Billingham, whose husband died before an ambulance could reach him (Shuttle/Times and News, July 4).

Sadly, such events are not uncommon, and distressing as they obviously are to relatives, it is impossible to apportion blame.

My story is very different to that of Mr Billingham. I am 67 years of age and was admitted to Worcestershire Royal Hospital with a blood sugar level of 77 - the normal range being between six and 10.

In addition, I was dehydrated and suffering from severe thrush, and was diagnosed as having late onset diabetes.

The effect on my body was disastrous, and I was close to systems failure and/or death.

My experience of the hospital was incredibly good. The nursing staff, from ward cleaners to consultants, were caring and professional, supporting both myself and my relatives throughout the experience.

I have only praise for staff and hospital, and immense gratitude that their efforts were successful in saving my life.

I had heard so much criticism of the service that I feel it necessary to redress the balance, if only in a small way.

We are all dependent on this hospital, which we should learn to appreciate and support.

Continuing criticism can only undermine the efforts of the skilled and caring staff.

It is surely time to co-operate and value the hospital, rather than keep up a battle which is destructive and, to my mind, serves no useful purpose.

It must be our first task to move forward and work together from this strong base towards improving and extending hospital services.

MW COMLEY

Russett Way

Bewdley