Sir – I am writing this letter to praise Ward 15 at Airedale General Hospital.

I have recently had cause to be a patient on that ward twice during September and October.

I cannot praise the staff highly enough.

From the consultant at the top and the team of doctors to the nursing staff from the sister down to the ward cleaner.

By each person I was treated with respect, and my situation explained to me in a professional and understandable way and at all times my dignity kept.

The staff were cheerful and helpful. As a team they worked together so well and we always aware of your situation from shift to shift.

The co-ordination between other services in the NHS were excellent and as my husband was terminally ill at home they took that into account when dealing with my care.

It felt like one big caring family and when I had to be re-admitted I was glad go back and be welcomed and looked after by the same team.

That kind of nursing is what the NHS should be all about.

The way the government treat these people is appalling.

My only complaint would be the food which was of a very poor standard and for somebody very ill did not make you feel like eating. This is nothing to do with the nursing staff.

Thank you one and all on Ward 15.

Judith Jovanovich, Skipton