Sir, - My operation at Friarage hospital, Northallerton, last week was routine, but the service was excellent. Believe me, I have seen some contrasts in other parts of the country, from difficult to downright hostile.

In spite of scandals (more of that below), our local hospital service deserves our confidence and support, and perhaps our defence if needed in the impending change of control to South Cleveland.

Being local makes a difference. The busy car park was not a serious problem even with the May Fair in town. The accessibility of staff and advice, from ward nurses to surgeon, went beyond my expectations, given the pressures on the service with all beds full, at least in my ward. Even the food was more than acceptable.

The cheerful spirit of the ward staff impressed me most. As one male nurse said of the daily daunting consequences of incontinence, it comes with the territory so if you can't deal with it you're in the wrong job. The spirit rubs off on the patients, who do their bit with jaunty banter.

Run by the MOD, Gara ward is staffed largely by military nurses with some civilian staff employed by Northallerton Health Services Trust, and of course it takes civilian patients. The partnership, born out of the transfer of services from Catterick, works for the patients.

The gynaecology ward was just as impressive when my wife was a patient two years ago. The staff were caring, and the patients bonded well in mutual support. It's one way to make new friends.

We think her surgeon, Neil Hebblethwaite, probably saved her life by early diagnosis and prompt treatment. There acknowledgedly is a good surgeon, the victim of over-reaction on the rebound after the Richard Neale scandal, both by the hospital and by the press.

Surely the difference between Hebblethwaite and Neale is obvious, a single human error of no harm to patients in general, contrasting with serial arrogance and seriously damaging incompetence. Yet the employer's response was in reverse - quick dismissal as against pay-off and "viable reference".

My own experience of executive responsibility for over a thousand professional staff left me appalled at the handling of the Neale case, as reported. Giving a misleading reference, passing a known problem on to another area, cannot be defended in the public health service, whatever the legal or contractual tangle.

An inquiry into the Neale affair, with subsequent action, is essential to regain public confidence in top management and their legal advisers.

MIKE O'CARROLL

Independent candidate,

Appleton Wiske Division, North Yorkshire County Council

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