I MADE a number of new acquaintances last Sunday quite by coincidence when I suffered chest pains and had to ring 999, starting a series of events which made me very grateful for our wonderful York NHS.

A paramedic, Ben, was at our door seemingly in seconds and began an ECG, he said an ambulance was on its way and very soon Ben was discussing with Hannah and Martin if their ambulance was required.

Decision made, I was soon being transported gently to emergency where I was placed on a bed in a cubicle, one of many especially created for incoming ambulance patients.

Nurse Dawn was first of many to check on me followed by Sue, so many nurses attended to my needs giving me a blanket, taking blood and another ECG that I could not remember all their names. I apologise for this and any spelling mistakes. I was seen by a woman doctor called Glenfield, who ordered a chest X-ray, which was carried out quickly.

After a short while all tests were gathered. Dr Glenfield then told me that I had not had a heart attack and I could return home.

So many medical staff were hard at work dealing with patients who were being admitted from ambulances. God bless the NHS and the staff who work there.

Dennis Barton, Woodthorpe, York.