Dear Madam, - My wife Mary was admitted to the South West Acute Hospital on May 15, 2015 suffering from a serious illness. The next six weeks were spent mostly in Ward Nine, with a shorter stay in Ward Eight and including two trips to Critical Care. This was followed by nine days in the Mater Hospital.

We would like to record our grateful thanks to all those who contributed to her eventual recovery. From the lovely nurses who would say “no bother” no matter how much was required of them, to the doctors, the surgeons, consultants and ancillary staff.

Mary was treated with the utmost kindness and consideration throughout this harrowing experience. The outcome could have been very different were it not for the dedication and skills of the medical teams.

We would urge those in charge, from the Ward Managers, to the ‘folks on the hill’ to make every effort to ensure that staffing levels are fit for purpose. This would lessen, at least, some of the pressure on overworked hospital staff who are the unsung heroes of our Health Service.

Yours faithfully, Robin Paget, 6 Enniskillen Road, Ballinamallard.