I READ with interest stroke victim Dennis Allison's praise for NHS Direct in the Press (Stroke victim's NHS cuts plea, May 24).

If only I had rung them when I realised my husband was having a stroke last year, instead of ringing my GP's surgery.

That call was made at 4pm, but my deep concern obviously wasn't shared by the doctor, as it was 6pm before she came.

After an examination, she felt it advisable for him to be admitted to hospital and duly rang for an ambulance, which eventually arrived at 8pm.

My husband was able to walk down our long drive and climb into the ambulance unaided, and even joked with a neighbour en route.

It was 11.30pm before he was admitted to the stroke ward.

An MRI scan was not done until the Tuesday, as I was told that department closed down over the weekend.

My husband was in hospital for four months, after which I was told he could come home, but would need 24-hour care.

As Mr Allison said: "It is important that strokes are treated quickly."

Who knows, if I had rung NHS Direct, and if seven hours hadn't elapsed between my initial call for help and finally being admitted to the stroke ward, my husband may also have had cause to be grateful.

Name and address supplied.