Dear Editor,

After some weeks of being unwell, a 999 emergency call was made on my behalf on the morning of Friday, September 29th.

After assessment, it was was decided to admit me, by ambulance - on a non-emergency basis - to Ross Community Hospital rather than to A&E at Hereford involving a “three hour wait.”

Early that same evening, the nursing staff on Merlin Ward (very fortunately) decided to “blue light” me to Hereford, otherwise I would likely “be dead” by the following morning.

I was immediately admitted to the Critical Resusiciation Unit, who worked tirelessly throughout the night and following morning, with blood transfusions et cetera; treating me for liver and kidney collapse, as well as sepsis.

I was then transferred to the Coronary Care Unit for six days, before being sent to Frome Ward for two weeks. Since then, I have returned to Ross Community Hospital where I am at last making a gradual recovery.

I would like to thank and praise all the staff at both hospitals for their very dedicated, superb (and continuing) attention and bringing me back from the brink.

Brian Butcher

Ross-on-Wye