Madam,

The news and letter pages repeatedly highlight problems with the NHS, but our family would like to describe our recent wonderful experience at Bronglais Hospital.

My 84-year-old mother Joan visited us recently in Ponterwyd to escape the heat in Oxfordshire but was taken ill soon after, requiring firstly A & E and subsequently admission to Bronglais for an emergency operation. Within 24 hours of the diagnosis of her bowel problem she was operated upon at the hospital. She received incredible care both in Intensive Care and in Rhiannon Ward.

She received amazing care by all of the staff, surgeons, doctors and nurses. Her treatment was further complicated by pneumonia and resulted in her being in the hospital for four weeks. We were also given help and advice from the Occupational Therapy department including a home visit to ensure my mother would be made as comfortable as possible when she arrived home. Everyone was so caring and respectful to my mother. Even though there are budget issues and here we have a case of crossing borders we only encountered thorough professional care from all involved.

Joan is now back at our home in Ponterwyd convalescing. We have received help from all facets of the health care system and she has been assigned a local GP as we cannot see her returning to her home in the immediate future. This gives us time to deal with changes that may need to be permanent for all of us.

My husband and I were born in England and have lived in Wales permanently for 24 years. This has made us feel really proud of our Welsh health service.

Thank you to everyone working at Bronglais for being there for Joan when needed and making us feel that you’re there because you really care.

Yours etc,

Mrs G White, Ponterwyd.

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