RE Abdul Jaleel's letter about the Woodlands Hospital, Darlington (HAS, Sept 21).

I recently had an operation there, resulting in an overnight stay. I have to say that, in comparison to Darlington Memorial Hospital, the experience was very comforting.

My private room had an en suite bathroom and a flat screen TV.

There were two chairs for visitors, and I didn't have time to use the computer.

The food was fantastic - the chef came to my room to take my order.

Of course, they still stick needles in you and give you medicine, but the comfortable surroundings help to relax you, as do the friendly staff.

I was there thanks to the choose and book system and I could have gone to the Memorial, Bishop Auckland, or Middlesbrough. It's good to have a choice these days.

I don't think the healthcare village plan (Echo, Sept 14) is a gimmick. We have a choice now, a smaller homelike hospital or a large, perhaps unfriendly, place where you need a map and compass to get around. They all have their place in modern healthcare.

John Hill, Darlington.