On Saturday afternoon my wife collapsed at home and could hardly breathe. I decided that if ever there was an occasion that justified a call to 999 this was it. That was absolutely the right decision.

Thank you to the 999 operator, who calmly took my information and had called for support within seconds of receiving my call.

Thank you to the paramedic, who arrived within a few minutes of my 999 call, by running up all the stairs to our third-floor flat carrying all his equipment and gave my wife oxygen.

Thank you to the ambulance team, who arrived just minutes later and transported us so carefully and quickly to the Colchester A&E. (No waiting in ambulances, or hospital corridors.)

Thank you to the frontline medical staff in the A&E, who throughout our six-hour stay were caring, cheerful and efficient.

Thank you to the doctor, who not only restored my wife's breathing, but who also took the time to make sure that we knew what was happening and why at each stage.

A special thank you from me to the healthcare assistant, who provided me with a corned beef and tomato sandwich at almost midnight, after I had left my meal untouched in our kitchen.

Thank you to the many unseen hospital staff, who must have provided support so that the frontline staff could be so efficient.

Thank you to the ambulance team. who returned us home in the middle of the night and ensured that we were safely established back in our own home.

Also, thank you to the decision-makers, who have ensured that our local NHS is capable of operating as a well joined up medical service.

However, all this does make me wonder why the decision-makers are now intending to make major changes to the way our local NHS services are organised. May I remind them, "If it ain't broke don't fix it."

Chris Greenslade
Clearwater Reach, Marine Parade East, Clacton