"Roy McCluskey - Aortic valve replacement"

I am by common consent a vexatious, not to say cantankerous old coot who is not given to lavish praise. However,

I have just been released from your care following the successful implantation of a biological aortic valve. And I must register my satisfaction with the very high quality treatment which I received in the Cardiac Unit.

I have not been familiar with NHS hospitals in recent years and I am finding it quite, quite difficult - emotional even - to convey how impressed I have been with the treatment that I received before, during and after my cardiac operation in September 2015.

It is impossible, of course, deeply anaesthetised as I was, to comment on the actual operation other than to record that I have recovered well.

The whole process from initial diagnosis by my GP until my discharge from the hospital post-operation has been marked with incredible efficiency. Every date was kept; every promise honoured.

It would be invidious to single out any individuals but one nurse in Ward 9 was typical of the help which I was given throughout. A nurse who seems to stand for no nonsense, their robustly cheerful manner helped boost my morale when I was was in some pain during nights.

You should be proud of your staff.

As an old soldier,

I was hugely impressed by the level of careful supervision across the field. It was clear to me that meticulous care had been taken not only in your surgical procedures but also, for example, in the constant cleaning of the ward and in the provision of decent meals.

To merely say thanks seems inadequate. But I certainly do thank you