THIS is why I love the NHS, and it is such an important and absolutely vital part of our lives.

For years I have had a small cyst on my upper right back that has given me no trouble whatsoever.

Advice is generally in these situations just to leave it be, unless it is causing problems.

About ten days ago it began to get sore and uncomfortable, and slightly inflamed so last Monday I went to my GP and was prescribed antibiotics.

By Wednesday however it had morphed into something almost like an angry golf ball, making it extremely uncomfortable to lie down or sit back in a chair.

I presented myself to A&E at hospital that evening and they decided that the best thing to do would be to remove it with surgery.

My first thought was that would just be a simple local anaesthetic operation there in the A&E department, but nope, it was to be full “proper” surgery under a general anaesthetic the following day.

So I was admitted for day surgery at the Royal Sussex County Hospital where I experienced the most excellent and professional treatment from all concerned.

It appeared that most of the surgical team were female, indeed the actual surgeon was a woman who came from Europe.

How absolutely fantastic that we have such dedicated staff from around the world who give their lives to working in our NHS to make our own lives better.

And the best part of this is the cost. Zero. Absolutely zilch.

In most parts of the world I would likely have had to pay something for this treatment.

My friends in the US would have to have insurance or face being hugely out of pocket if this were to happen to them.

But here in the UK we are so incredibly fortunate to have our wonderful (I know it’s not perfect) NHS that is absolutely free at the point of use whenever we need it.

And for that I thank the wonderful staff at the Royal Sussex County Hospital immensely.

Mark Laverick

Paston Place

Brighton