I was discharged from the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath on August 21, after having had surgery to replace my left knee.

After so much bad publicity about hospitals, I think it is time to put matters right.

I was admitted to Hurstpierpoint Ward at the hospital on the August 14, at 4pm and had the operation the next morning at 9.30am.

The staff, from the specialists, doctors, ward sisters, student nurses and physiotherapists to cleaners, librarians, the League of Friends and some that you do not always see such as cooks, office staff, and many more, were always helpful, friendly and, above all, treated patients with dignity.

Somehow they also had a little extra to contribute, that little something one needs to fight the pain and trauma experienced after an operation.

I would like to thank all the staff at the hospital for the help, understanding, cleanliness and professionalism, handed out to every patient, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, without complaint and with so much to contend with.

We need people like this: Dedicated individuals, willing to work long hours without complaining and keeping the high standard of care we tend to expect, rather than appreciate.

If we have to give them more money, let us do it now, they deserve it.

-Peter J Self, Rowe Avenue, Peacehaven