I’ve heard a lot in the press recently about the NHS.

It sends people home halfway through the night. It is uncaring to the elderly, such as myself, unfriendly and hardly ever smiles.

I would just like to tell about my experiences over the past two weeks.

First, I went to see my friendly doctor. We laughed, joked. He asked: “Any other concerns?” and shook my hand when I left.

Blood pressure was taken. I was sent for a blood test and I was given my usual considerable supply of medication.

While in Malaysia I had to buy one month’s supply of one set of tablets. The cost was £200. The pharmacist who supplied them had to risk his neck as I should have seen a doctor and paid a consultation fee.

This week I went for an eye examination. Smiles, laughs from everybody and several tests. Now I am off on Friday to have my free hearing aid updated.

So, friendly, happy staff and efficient, smiling receptionists. One technician was not too sociable, but it was the start of a long day.

Even the ladies who rang me to remind me of my appointments were a happy bunch.

The cost of all this? Nothing.

God bless the NHS!

Paul Brown
Claremont Road
Wivenhoe