Dear Madam, - I would like, through the pages of the Impartial Reporter to thank the staff in the new South West Acute Hospital, and specifically those on Ward 8.

Following a fall, my elderly mother was (and still is) a patient there. On visiting her, I was amazed at the level of care and cleanliness afforded to her by the staff.

As I have lived and worked in Scotland for the last 27 years, this was my first visit to the new hospital. And what a pleasant surprise that was! The place is simply magnificent.

I am afraid that during my stay in Scotland, my expectations of NHS standards have been considerably lowered, But the attention to detail by the staff, not to mention their friendly manner with both patients and visitors and the general cleanliness of the place is way above any that I have encountered in Scotland.

So hold your heads high, girls (and guys as well!), you are doing a fantastic job. I just wish your opposite numbers in Scotland could see how you go about doing your jobs, and learn the proper way of nursing and caring for patients. I am sure that at the end of a long shift, many of you will go home exhausted, and wondering if anyone really noticed the care, the effort and the dedication which you all expend on your patients. Well, I notice. And I appreciate every little thing you all do every day. Congratulations to you all. You have my heartfelt admiration and thanks. Yours faithfully, John Millar.