WITH all the bad press we read about our NHS and Blackburn Royal, I felt I had to write and defend them after my recent stay in hospital and the treatment I received whilst there.

I found the nurses and staff first class, the hospital was impeccable and the treatment I was getting was everything I would expect from truly dedicated people.

All too often people want to knock these people who do a very difficult job, under very trying circumstances.

To all the nurses and staff on Ward C1 who looked after me over my recent illness, I would like to thank with all my heart for the care and attention both to me and the other patients.

I found them to be caring, compas-sionate and ready to tend to me at any time, day or night. I’m sure I’m not the only person who wants to praise these people, so let’s give credit where credit is due. You are all a credit to your profession, so once again, thank you Royal Blackburn.

MARGARET HARTLEY, Ravenglass Close, Blackburn.