A WOMAN has defended city nurses after a diabetic patient criticised the care she had received in Ronkswood Hospital.

Lorna Crofter, who has had to self-administer daily treatment for the past 20 years, was in Ronkswood Hospital over the Christmas period.

"I can usually administer my own treatment but I had a cold or flu and had to go to the hospital for help with my care," said the 37-year-old part-time gymnastics coach.

"I attended the hospital on three different occasions over Christmas and thought the nurses were absolutely brilliant, considering how busy they were.

"I was treated with the utmost respect. They were busy - it really was absolutely packed - but they treated me with the greatest care."

Ms Crofter maintained that it was only due to the dedication of accident and emergency staff that she was not admitted to the hospital.

"I want people to know that I've had really good care and I'm at home now because of how they treated me in A&E.

"During all of my treatment in Worcester I've only ever come across two bad nurses, and out of the hundreds that I must have met I don't consider that's a very high amount."

Ms Crofter came forward after Michelle Wealthall's claims about conditions on Ward 9.

But she insists that when she spent time in Ward 9, between June and August 2000, the nurses were considerate and efficient.

"I received brilliant treatment from the nurses on the ward and I even stay in touch with some of them. They really were golden," said Ms Crofter, of Lansdowne Rise, Barbourne.

A spokeswoman for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said staff valued positive feedback.

"We appreciate the warm compliments on the high standard of care given by nursing staff at Worcester Royal Infirmary," said Janet-Marie Clark.

"People who are ill are dealing with problems and uncertainty, so when patients take the time to thank us and show their appreciation of the care given and the skills used, it's particularly rewarding and makes it all the more worthwhile."