Sir, - We would like to correct the impression given in your front page report, "Appalling path lab sparks test fears" (D&S, June 8) concerning the pathology laboratory at the Friarage hospital, Northallerton.

Contrary to a statement made in that report, the laboratory received the highest accolades for the standard of its work in a recent report by the National Pathology Inspectors.

We quote directly from their summary: "The user group were unanimous in their praise of the service provided. The staff are to be complimented on the standard of work, professional skill and commitment, striving to work as safely as possible despite the state of their accommodation."

As highlighted in a previous article in your newspaper "Good work, poor accommodation" the trust acknowledges the poor state of the buildings and their refurbishment is high on its list of priorities.

We can allay concerns over the reliability of tests in hot conditions, as heat sensitive equipment is used in air conditioned parts of the building.

Patients can be reassured that the accuracy of the test results of the laboratory should not give cause for any concern and their validity is subject to regular assessment as part of various national quality schemes.

Dr N M BROWNING

Consultant haematologist

Drs D HENDERSON & K V PRASAD

Consultant histopathologists

Dr N C WEIGHTMAN

Consultant medical microbiologist

Friarage hospital,

Northallerton.

Best clothing

Sir, - I write to correct a factual error in a report in your April 20 issue.

That report said that Leeming (RAF) school had collected clothing to be donated to former Eastern block countries utilising the services of Next Best Clothing Ltd.

Yes, we did collect clothing and, yes, they probably did end up somewhere like the former Eastern block. However, this was a commercial venture to raise funds for the school and a very successful one at that.

Next Best Clothing Ltd offers this opportunity through their "Bag2School" venture and is mutually beneficial to all parties.

In short, this was a commercial outing and not a charitable one and I feel it only right to put the record straight as not to seriously affect this company's operations.

On behalf of my committee I wholeheartily recommend Next Best Clothing Ltd to any PTA in need of extra funds - ie. all of them!

NEIL BLAIR

Chairman. Friends of School committee,

Leeming (RAF) Community primary school,

Contact us

Sir, - Our son was involved in a road accident a fortnight ago, and we would like to contact the nurse who stopped to help him.

The accident happened at Oak Tree Hill, on the A167 Northallerton to Darlington road, at around 11.30pm on Tuesday, May 29. Some kind people who lived nearby went out to help our son, who was badly injured. A passing car stopped; the lady who was driving said she was a nurse, and she continued to look after Andrew until the police, fire brigade and ambulance arrived.

Our family are very grateful to all concerned, including the staff at the Friarage hospital. We would particularly like the nurse to contact us.

ANN & BILLY ALLISON

Worsall Grange Farm,

Low Worsall,

Yarm.