WE frequently only see negative stories about the NHS and I would like to express my appreciation to all the staff on Ward C4 at Poole Hospital for the excellent care I received there during a recent week long stay.

After 10 days of being unwell at home in early February my symptoms became acute and blood tests revealed that an emergency admission to hospital was necessary.

Following CT scans and assessment on Ansty Ward, I was diagnosed with cellulitis, an extremely painful condition which is caused by a bacterial infection of the deep layers of the skin.

I was moved to C4 where my treatment began in earnest. The medical team showed the highest standards of professionalism and expert care.

Every patient that I encountered was treated with the utmost respect, dignity and genuine concern for their well-being.

The daily routine, for someone like me who had been fortunate enough to have never experienced hospital life before, was enlightening to observe.

From dawn to dusk there was a continuous round of tasks – some medical, some mundane but vital and all performed with diligence and extraordinary good humour.

The camaraderie amongst the nursing team at all levels was so cheering to witness, and while I would not wish to repeat my experience, it made me truly appreciate my normally good health.

Most of all it made me appreciate how fortunate we all are here in Poole to have such expert clinicians ready and willing to heal us when the unexpected strikes.

I would also like to make a special mention of the food – it was excellent. Every dish was tasty and appetising, the roast beef was easily as good as any I had eaten in local restaurants.

Finally, I would like to say that I could not have had better treatment if I had been royalty, and my recovery continues now at home.

It may take some time to get back to full strength but I will never forget my week on C4 amongst some of the most amazing people I have ever met doing some of the toughest jobs imaginable.

If you ever have the misfortune to need hospital treatment just be grateful you live in Poole.

JULIE SNOW, Sandbanks Road, Poole