THE son of a Worcester heart attack victim has praised "marvellous" hospital staff for the care they have shown his mother.

Ann Andrews was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital early last Saturday morning after struggling for breath.

Her son David Andrews, who lives with her, said the 69-year-old widow was making "gurgling" sounds and was clearly uncomfortable.

"I must start by praising the ambulance crew who arrived so promptly," said Mr Andrews, an international schoolteacher, of Grange Avenue, Bevere.

"I put the phone down after calling them, pulled my trousers on and they were at the door. They got her to hospital promptly and efficiently and, once there, the staff acted in such a professional manner.

"I was naturally very concerned. But the female doctor we saw got mum's heart going again while I was allowed to stay close by. They explained everything that was going on and constantly kept me informed of her progress.

"Mum was taken into the Intensive Critical Care Unit - where she stayed until around 1pm the following day - and once again the staff were marvellous.

"As I'd arrived at hospital just after 7am that morning, with no time to stop and collect money or phone numbers they allowed me to make free phone calls to my immediate family and alert them.

"Mum is now in cardiology where she's making progress all the time. It has been a worrying time but the staff have really helped. I know Worcester people have been waiting a long time for the new hospital, but from my experience, it has been worthwhile. It is clean, well-organised and efficient. I have family in Bristol who say our hospital is far superior to theirs.

"We see a lot of criticism, so I think it's only fair to speak up for the hospital and reassure others who may find themselves in my family's unfortunate position."

A Worcestershire Hospitals NHS Trust spokesman said staff were "delighted" when people had a good experience in hospital.

"We try hard to provide the best possible care for everybody and it's particularly gratifying when someone takes the trouble to say thank you," he said.