I write to corroborate Mrs Torole’s letter in support of Colcheser General Hospital and Basildon’s Cardiac centre (Letters, December 1).

After various examinations and procedures at Colchester, I was referred to Basildon.

I arrived early on the day of my preliminary review at the latter and was immediately attended to and passed seamlessly through a series of examinations with friendly courtesy.

After a quadruple cardiac bypass operation at the end of May, I was able last Sunday to join the local RSPB group in a day’s birdwatching on a windy, cold and damp Kent marsh.

I have also had eye cataract treatment at Essex County Hospital, where the premises are old and there are delays, but the staff and treatment seem to me to be splendid.

Thanks NHS! Keep up the good work.

Raymond Bowen
Gazelle Court
Colchester