IT WAS a bit of a shock to find myself rushed into hospital for the first time in my 60 years during the first week of August.

During the four days I was there my condition was very thoroughly investigated and by the time I was shipped off home the probable cause identified a rare reaction to the drugs I was taking for rheumatoid arthritis.

All those that looked after me including the nurses and staff of Lugg Ward, the technicians, cleaners, catering and Dr Richard Williams and his team immensely impressed me.

Even on the hottest day in the year when the temperature got close to 100 degrees in the ward, the staff didn't slow down, and the fan they found was much appreciated.

Now I am starting to return to work, and have heard my heart has fully recovered and I feel in better physical condition than I have for many years. Many thanks and well done Hereford County Hospital and all those that work there.

CHRIS STOKER,

Great Doward, Symonds Yat.