One of the extremely pleasant tasks I had as Mayor of Gravesham during the last municipal year was to attend the topping out' ceremony of the new block at Darent Valley Hospital.

Little did I know at the time that I would be among the first patients to use the new facility.

I was seen by the consultant in July this year and it was decided that I required surgery. Within about two weeks I was given an appointment for a pre-operation visit to the hospital for a general check-up, and shortly afterwards I was informed that my operation would take place on September 15 just two months after the July consultation.

This was my first experience of being a hospital in-patient and I must say that I was quite apprehensive about the expected four-day stay.

However, as soon as I arrived on Cherry Ward in the brand new block my worries disappeared. The staff did everything possible to make me feel comfortable and I was left wanting for nothing that is, apart from a cup of tea as I had been fasting since midnight the night before!

I was visited by various members of the medical team during the time leading up to the operation and every aspect of the procedures to be taken were explained to me in great detail. The sheer professionalism of everyone shone through, while at the same time we were able to exchange little quips which made me feel relaxed.

Following the operation the same caring ethos was evident. Throughout the first night my blood pressure and temperature were taken every hour and the nurses were apologetic if they had to wake me up to do it.

During my four days as a patient in Cherry Ward I was treated like a king. I was visited on a number of occasions by the doctor who had performed the surgery and in fact he popped in to see me and his other patients on the Saturday night, even though it was his weekend off.

That is the sort of dedication I experienced and the reason I felt moved to publicise the fantastic service I received from the National Health Service at Darent Valley Hospital.

May I, through the courtesy of your newspaper, put on record my eternal appreciation to the dedicated staff of Darent Valley Hospital in general and Cherry Ward in particular for being such a shining example of what the NHS is all about.

Everyone in the team, including cleaners and caterers, were friendly, helpful and dedicated throughout which is why it really annoys me when I hear some people forever criticising the NHS. I am sure the vast majority of patients have had the same excellent service that I experienced but, unfortunately, it is always the moaners who get the publicity.

So, a final word to those of you who have experienced the same excellent service that I have shout it from the rooftops. Or as Delia Smith said: "LET'S BE HAVING YOU!"

Councillor John Loughlin, Gravesham Borough Council