IN these days, when the media take such delight in printing criticism of the NHS, I feel that it is necessary to redress the balance sometimes and give credit where credit is due.

I was recently referred to the Eye Unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital as an emergency, having lost the sight in my right eye. The treatment I received there from diagnosis to operation was excellent. Mr Kelly and his team were wonderful. The whole process took six weeks only. I was, indeed, impressed by the standards and efficiency of the whole Unit and its staff. However, it is not only the Eye Unit that I find it necessary to commend.

Over the last two years, both my parents (who are in their 80s) have had life-threatening conditions, which have required lengthy stays in the Royal Bolton. In fact, my father had two stints in ICU within weeks of each other. Again the treatment they received was second to none and the kindness and consideration they both received was exemplary. They are both receiving after care which, again, is of a very high standard.

I hope my comments are of value. Not all patients have "horror stories" to tell.

Mrs Sue Grills

Chorley New Road

Horwich, Bolton