I had a coronary triple bypass operation performed on me on November 19 at the Brighton Millennium Coronary Unit, Royal Sussex County Hospital.

Where do they find all these wonderful, talented, caring and skilful people? The numerous members of staff and the various departments I came in contact with all showed the highest degree of care and comfort for me and my family.

I wish to publicly thank all of those wonderful people involved, too numerous to mention. A lot of names I never got to know and many of those I did have slipped away in my medicated fog. But the people themselves know.

From the surgeon who performed my operation to those who kept everything clean and whatever other jobs and skills used that I did not even know about, I thank you all, most sincerely, from the bottom of my recently refurbished heart.

How dare people complain about our National Health Service? In my experience, we are very lucky to have such a service. There are a couple of other equally important points I must mention.

First, my fellow patients - didn't we have some laughs (it is not all doom, gloom and injections)? Thank you all for your support and encouragement - you all know who you are.

Last but not least, will the powers that be please do something sensible and constructive about ward 6A showers? They are a disaster for patients and staff alike. Well, there had to be a sting in the tale, didn't there?

-Lionel Cook (Gary), Woodingdean