Madam,

I was surprised to read in the Cambrian News that the coroner, Dewi Pritchard Jones, had the temerity to express his low regard for Bronglais Hospital, on the basis of one case he had pronounced upon. I was also surprised that the pathologist placed the blame for the patient’s death on one event that occurred at Bronglais, when clearly she had suffered cumulative damage as a result of numerous falls, a stroke and dementia.

Of course if staffing levels had been higher a closer watch could have been maintained on the patient, but staffing levels depend on funding levels and, since these are pretty inadequate, staffing is just one of the restrictions that has to be accepted.

My opinion of Bronglais Hospital is quite different. Over the past 12 years or so I have had recourse to Bronglais for: life-threatening pulmonary emergency; a multiple fracture and dislocation of a wrist; planned ophthalmic investigations and treatments; and treatment for an extensive flesh wound.

In every case I could not have wished for better treatment and care than I received. And follow-up examinations and treatments were carried out promptly at the appointed times, and with great efficiency.More than once when I have recounted my experiences at Bronglais to family members in England, I have received the comment “You don’t know you are born!” The same efficient service, incidentally, applies to our local GP surgery in Aberaeron.

My opinion, from considerable experience, is that Bronglais could be used as a role model for hospitals elsewhere in Britain. I think we are fortunate to have such an excellent hospital.

Yours etc

Raymond Schofield

North Road,Aberaeron.