Hospital bouquet: Sir - I had the unfortunate news that I had bowel cancer earlier this year. I am 70 and an ex-miner and factory worker without resources for private health care.

However, I was under the care of an excellent team of doctors at University Hospital, Durham headed by Mr Bain, the surgeon.

I had to undergo a course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for five weeks at Newcastle General Hospital prior to my operation and although I was very apprehensive when I was admitted to Ward 13 at Durham on November 16, I was soon settled in by pleasant nurses.

I would like to thank everyone for the excellent care and attention I received from doctors and nurses, to catering and cleaning assistants.

My experiences from Ward 13 of the University Hospital were: medical care - first class, nursing - first class, cleanliness - first class, catering quality and presentation of meals - first class.

In all, my experience enlightened me very much as there are so many adverse comments about the Health Service in the Press. I found nothing to complain about.

Neville Hardman, Durham