I read with interest about Barbara Doe, who "suffered" with the operation on her toes at the Queen Victoria Hospital, Lewes (Argus, May 11), because I, too, had the same operation on two toes last year.

I can only praise the hospital and staff for their helpfulness and efficiency in the manner in which I was treated.

The consultant and assistant spoke to me before the operation and marked off the relevant toes with a marker pen, although it was obvious which toes required treatment.

After the operation, a doctor came and spoke to me, gave me painkillers to take and discharged me at 8 o'clock.

I had no pain, only slight discomfort and didn't need to take any painkillers or use the crutches which I had been given.

I was able to walk with ease, although fairly slowly and carefully. The stitches were removed from my toes after two weeks - a beautiful job - and the spikes pulled out after two months.

I went on holiday to Spain a month after the operation and was able to stroll on the seafront.

I can now wear any of my shoes without discomfort. Previously, it had been agony. To have my toes straightened was one of the best decisions I have made and a grand job was done by the staff of the Queen Victoria Hospital.

-Mrs J P Needham, The Crescent, Southwick