THE NHS is taking a lot of stick at present and, no doubt, some of it is probably right.

However, when I was visiting an 80-year-old friend who became ill, a request by phone brought her GP rather speedily.

He said she needed hospitalisation. The ambulance came quickly and took her to Blackburn Infirmary's Accident and Emergency Department where she was put on a trolley and taken into a side room where several tests were done before she was found a bed in a nearby ward.

I can only say that this lady was treated kindly and with respect. She was held in the Infirmary overnight and then transferred to Queen's Park Hospital where, she is being well cared for.

There are lots of people who are quick to complain, but in this case I can only say that the hospitals deserve a pat on the back for the way they dealt with this very sick lady.

MRS WILKINSON, Blackburn (full address received).