Regarding Mrs Sheila Bartle's comments (Letters, October 13) about the NHS (Peel Stewart ward), the Royal Sussex County Hospital has taken a lot of stick recently and I would like to add my halfpenny's worth.

I was given a bed on October 7, at the second attempt, for an operation that was performed on October 8.

I was placed in the Stewart ward, which I found quite clean. In fact, it was cleaned while I was there.

The food was varied but the choice was good. I agree with Mrs Bartle about the sleeping arrangements and I do have problems trying to get to sleep only to be woken up for a blood pressure test. I am a very light sleeper.

Full praise to the nursing staff who work in this ward and many thanks to Pamela Avery, Trina and Steve for making my life more pleasant while there.

This hospital got no stars under the Government scheme but, as far as I am concerned, I had first-class treatment.

-G H Nathan, Ingram Crescent East, Hove