RECENT years have seen me make increasing use of the area NHS facilities, especially the Alex but also the clinics and minor injuries unit at the Princess of Wales Communuity Hospital, and even Worcester, not to mention my local GP surgery.

I am basically very healthy, do not drink or smoke, but suffer the usual problems that go with age. Regrettably on some five occasions in the last three years I have been presented at Alexandra A&E, twice by ambulance, in a very distressed state following hours of acute trauma at home. They have quickly relieved the problem and followed up with transfer to a ward for a few days of monitoring and detailed investigations.

I could not ask for more careful and dedicated attention and am embarrassed at having required so much from an overstressed service. I feel very privileged and have learned a lot, which I hope may enable me to avoid any further recurrences. But I would be sorely concerned to see all or any of these facilities transferred to a larger conglomerate, nor can I believe it would benefit any other similar patients or even the hospitals themselves. My deepest thanks go to all concerned.

Harold E Lee

Bromsgrove