We hear a lot of bad news about the NHS and its services are patchy, of course.

However, my two-day stay in Queen Mary's Hospital Sidcup for a hip replacement could not have been bettered. The staff were friendly, helpful, caring and professional.

The surgeon and anaesthetist and surgery staff were excellent and the after-care very well managed.

The food was good and at sensible times. I stayed in a small, well-organised ward, which was regularly cleaned.

As my companion in the ward and I agreed, it was just like being in a private hospital without the telly. I would like to thank all the staff there for their kindness, helpfulness and standard of care while I was there.

Richard Allen