A letter of appreciation for every day of the year is the proud boast from the Essex Ambulance Service.

They attracted 365 thank you notes last year and now the service says it expects an even greater number this year.

Director of Operations. Paul Leaman, said: "It's very encouraging to see staff congratulated for their professionalism and the way in which they conduct themselves.

"It is particularly pleasing to note that expressions of appreciation far outweigh formal complaints."

The number of those received for 2001 was 52 of which 34 were substantiated.

Last year the Trust responded to more than 120,000 emergency calls, up 3.8 per cent on the previous years.

The Trust's first medical director, Dr Judith Fisher, is to retire after three years with the service to spend more time with her family and to persue other interests.

Published Friday November 1, 2002

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