IN VIEW of the media highlighting the faults of the NHS, I feel obliged to forward the views of my wife and I.

We have been recent occupants in Orpington Hospital in Boddington and McKenzie King wards respectively.

As part of our initial assessments we were checked for the presence of MRSA.

We found the wards clean with an abundance of antiseptic gel for use by staff, patients and visitors alike.

Both of us are in our 80s but never once did we feel our age led to us being given second-class treatment.

From the initial consultation to final discharge, we both received courteous and highly professional treatment at all levels, administered with down-to-earth explanations and humour.

In both our cases we were more than satisfied with the final results.

May we extend our thanks to all the staff at the Orpington Treatment Centre and wish them well for 2006 and beyond.

George Allison, Cloonmore Avenue, Orpington