IN THESE days when the NHS is taking a lot of stick from all quarters, may I, through your columns, express my thanks to the Royal Gwent Hospital.

I was discharged this week, having spent five nights on D7 East for a hip replacement. The staff from the cleaning ladies to canteen staff, nurses, physios and occupational therapist were all, without exception, superb.

Though there were some patients with higher expectations than others, the nurses responded to every request in a cheerful manner. Nothing was too much trouble for them.

A big thank you to all on D7 East from a grateful patient.

John Pope, Chepstow Road, Newport