SIR – The NHS is so often criticised and compared unfairly with health care in the US. My own recent experience has been nothing but positive.

Getting a letter from my GP (following a blood test) requesting that I make an appointment regarding possible problems with my prostate gland can best be described as terrifying.

Cancer. My excellent GP was reassuring – this was a problem, not a death sentence. It might not be cancer but if it is, it can be treated, more people die with prostate cancer than of prostate cancer. I would need to see a consultant.

A few weeks later my appointment with the consultant arrived.

I asked him, “What happens if it is cancer”, he told me, reassuringly, “We will deal with it”. I would have to go for further tests.

Further tests meant photographing my prostate and a biopsy.

These procedures would be carried out via my rectum.

Not a happy thought.

The day arrived and with some considerable trepidation, accompanied by my wife, we set off to the hospital (I told her I didn’t want her to come with me and that I was capable of getting through this ordeal on my own. Fortunately, she didn’t listen).

Checks and assessments were made, antibiotics administered and theatre gown provided.

The radiologist explained that I would be awake for the procedure and when the time came, he would explain what was happening every step of the way.

At last my turn came.

Local anaesthetic was inserted. Photographs taken, so far so good.

Time for the biopsy. Ten samples of my prostate would be required and each time I would hear a loud clicking sound.

Despite being told to relax (fat chance) I braced myself.

With the first click I nearly catapulted across the room.

No pain, just surprise.

Much less unpleasant than I expected.

Nine more samples were taken, all equally pain free.

The whole process was considerably less unpleasant than I had expected, no pain, some embarrassment, quickly alleviated by the professionalism of the staff.

In fact all the staff that dealt with me I hold in the highest regard.

They did their best to reassure me and make me as comfortable as possible, despite having many patients to care for.

My experience was far from the broken and ailing NHS the media loves to report.

I count myself lucky that I don’t have to worry not just about the cost of my treatment but also that of my loved ones.

How so very different it is in the US where millions cannot afford medical care.

Where homeless people, dressed in rags, with obvious mental health issues, wander the streets left to fend for themselves.

I have met young people there who have to decide between getting a mortgage or health insurance for their families.

Despite the US spending 18 per cent of its GDP to our 10 per cent on health care, we have a universal health care system and a higher life expectancy.

I’m so sick of people who berate the NHS claiming it’s too much of a burden on the taxpayer.

They need to consider the alternative, crippling insurance or if they can’t afford insurance, very little health care for them and their families.

With 1,700,000 staff, the NHS is the largest employer in Europe, so it shouldn’t come as any surprise that mistakes are made, and of course when a doctor or nurse makes a mistake the ramifications can be devastating. Understaffing in many areas of the NHS doesn’t help.

I haven’t received the results of my biopsy yet, but if I do have cancer it’s reassuring to know that I have the NHS with its dedicated men and women, empowered by every taxpayer in the UK, working for me, doing their best to keep me healthy and alive for many years to come. Hopefully!

CHRIS BROWN

Worcester