I KNOW people run the down the NHS, but if they saw it from my side, they would think again.

Consider this: I saw Dr Jupp (gastroenterolgy) four weeks ago. He referred me for a CT scan and bloods.

Then two weeks later had CT scan and bloods.

Then the consultant Dr Jupp, a member of Dr Shutt and Dr Bridgers, gastroenterolgy team, saw the results on April 12.

That afternoon I had a phone call from my doctor at the Portesham surgery to come to them for blood and urine tests on the (18/04/16).

Today (19/04/16) had a phone call before 9am, to go in to see Dr Phillips at 12.30pm that day to explain the situation about me.

Then just before I went, the post arrived with the next appointment (20/04/16) at 9am, to see Dr M Lasebai in haematology on Fortuneswell ward for the full works complete bloods etc, and get results while I wait.

So went in at 9am (20/04/16) had bloods etc done within 10 minutes.

Sat back in waiting room, again within 10 minutes consultant called me in, he gave me a full check out, by which time the blood results were back, job done just biopsy etc left.

This morning (21/04/16) had a phone call from the respiratory nurse practitioner Natalie Harper, a member of Dr Phillip’s respiratory team, to have more tests on Monday 25/04/16.

So Monday at 10am I arrived at the respiratory unit to be met by Natalie Harper for the blood tests for TB.

She then talked me through all what happens next.

Yesterday, April 29 Natalie rung me with the test results.

She and Dr Phillips and those mentioned above, along with all the consultants, nurses and the rest of the hospitals dedicated staff, that have looked after me for the last 58 years and God willing will continuing to do so.

How’s that for the great service we all get free of charge?

I can’t thank DCH and all the NHS enough for the last 58 years.

All the staff definitely deserve this commendation and they certainly deserve to be recognised.

This also applies to all the mental health team at the Hughes unit at Bridport Community Hospital.

I have been with them since 2005.

Without their special care I would not be here today. I still see them regularly, and CRT member Kate Hathaway every two weeks.

Trevor Toogood

Long Bredy

Dorchester