AT A time when the NHS comes in for a fair amount of criticism, I feel I would like to point out how fortunate the people of Weston are in having such a hospital as Weston General. Last week my brother, Jack, died in Berrow Ward there, aged 79. He coul

AT A time when the NHS comes in for a fair amount of criticism, I feel I would like to point out how fortunate the people of Weston are in having such a hospital as

Weston General.

Last week my brother, Jack, died in Berrow Ward there, aged 79.

He could not have received kinder or more professional treatment anywhere in the country.

There are people who would argue that doctors, nurses and ancillary staff are paid to care for the sick in their charge.

That is true. We can demand that the right treatment is given for that is what they are paid for. But what we cannot demand is that kindness, compassion, and sympathetic understanding are forthcoming. Such qualities come from people dedicated to their work and who understand the needs and fears of each individual patient and their family.

Those qualities were seen in abundance both to my brother's care and towards our family generally. For that we are most grateful.

DAVID THORNTON

Blue Hill Lane, Leeds