WHILE I disagree with the closure of facilities and wards at Bishop Auckland General Hospital I had the misfortune of having to be sent to Darlington Memorial Hospital.

During my time there the staff on ward 44 did an excellent job of looking after me. Nothing was too much trouble; in fact, they went out of their way to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

May I thank the cleaners, catering staff and especially the nurses, both female and male, and the night staff for all they did for me.

Thomas Jones (Tom), Eldon Lane, Bishop Auckland.