We often read and hear bad press about the National Health Service so I feel compelled to write about the excellent and caring treatment I received at Mayday Hospital, Croydon.

First of all I would like to praise my GP Dr Ogeah at Dr Carter's surgery, Thornton Road, Croydon. Dr Ogeah was extremely patient with me over my concerns at having lost my voice for almost one month. He understood how worried I was, being a smoker, and although his advice was to stop smoking he realised the best option was to send me to the hospital for tests as quickly as possible.

When I attended Mayday outpatients I saw Dr Gary Evans an ENT specialist. Mr Evans' manner is very professional with the added bonus of explaining things to you in a way you would wish every human being could communicate with each other. He recommended a biopsy and although I was petrified I knew in my heart I could trust this gentleman's judgement.

I had an NHS appointment for the biopsy two weeks later, which I thought was really quick. My daughter accompanied the day of my operation and was amazed at the attention I was getting. Many happy, smiling faces of nurses in attendance with a caring nature and sense of humour, putting you at ease.

Two weeks later I returned for the results of my biopsy, as I was early the results were not to hand straight away. While I was sitting outside Mr Evans' surgery waiting with anticipation the results arrived, while he was seeing another patient. He popped outside for something and told me not to worry as the results were good and he would tell me all about it when he had finished seeing the other patient.

That made all the difference to me. Mr Evans you are a credit to your profession and to our National Health service.

I would just like to add that out of respect for Mr Evans I am now going to give up smoking.

Denise Borg (a grateful patient)

Mitcham Road

Croydon

April 30, 2003 13:00