A PATIENT who went into hospital for a hip operation was so impressed with the ward staff that she asked for a job when she was discharged.

Now Vera Adamson, of Whickham, is permanently on ward five, at Gateshead's Bensham Hospital, as a clerk.

She was back at the hospital three weeks after the hip operation she was originally admitted for which.

While in hospital, she noticed there was no clerk and the harassed nursing staff were trying to cover the job themselves.

Mrs Adamson said: "The caring atmosphere of the ward really struck me during my week as a patient.

"It was plain to see how much respect the staff had for each other and their patients.

"While I was lying in my bed recovering I decided that I wanted to get involved.

"When I spent time on Ward five I was able to ask staff anything I wanted, no matter how trivial, and I hope patients feel able to do the same with me."

Sister Sylvia Bailey said she was delighted that Mrs Adamson was joining them and said: "Vera has done really well since her operation and is the perfect example of how beneficial the right aftercare can be."