TWO years ago I was on holiday in Corfu when I fell and broke my hip and right femur. I was admitted into the local state hospital where I spent six days in traction.

During my stay, I received nearly zero attention. There were no nurses, and I was left the entire six days unable to go to the toilet. My wife had to buy water for me. I had no pillow, and she had to be my sole carer and nurse. Other patients were required to do the same, bringing members of their families in to look after them. Any food the hospital brought to me was simply left on a chair which, because of my traction, I could not reach unless my wife was present.

My insurance company would not let the hospital operate due to the total lack of aftercare.

After being operated on in a private clinic in Athens, I was flown home and put into hospital in Sunderland.

It was like a five-star hotel compared with Corfu.

I will never ever complain about our NHS and the devoted doctors and nurses who work there.

H Napier, Horden