I WOULD like to take this opportunity to say something nice about the Royal Bolton Hospital.

I had an appointment with the Department of Maxillo Facial Surgery, which was scheduled for 11.10am.

In the past I have always found it difficult to park at the hospital, so I left an hour early to allow at least 40 minutes to find a parking space. The parking facilities here are definitely inadequate, and it costs about £7 each way to come and go by taxi.

On this occasion, however, I was fortunate enough to find a space, so I went to register at the clinic, expecting to be told that I was too early.

Not a bit of it.

I was told that, since I was early, I might as well get my teeth X-rayed while I was waiting. I made my way to the X-ray department, where, within 10 minutes, I was X-rayed by a very professional and friendly radiographer.

Several minutes later I was presented with the X-ray, with which I then returned to the clinic.

At 11.11am, I saw the specialist, who was both courteous and thorough and subsequently sent me for a blood test.

The phlebotomists had a ticket system rather like that used at most popular supermarkets, and, again, within a few minutes, my blood test had been efficiently taken and I was on my way home.

During this visit, every porter, receptionist, nurse, or clinical specialist I encountered was equally pleasant and professional in their approach, and I left feeling confident that my health is in the hands of competent and caring people.

Jim Rey

Laburnum Park

Bradshaw, Bolton