I RECENTLY went into York Hospital's ward 27 for a short time where the staff restored my faith in the place.

Five years ago I had a very bad experience on a medical ward for a serious illness and witnessed dirty, unhygienic conditions and rude staff. Despite being ill I wasn't given the kind of treatment I would have given my patients as a former nurse.

I vowed then never to go into the hospital again.

I complained to the then chief executive and raised several points which I was assured were dealt with at the time.

Last week on ward 27 I was treated courteously and politely.

The two rooms of the ward I was in were very clean and kept clean and hygienic. The nurses and other members of staff were friendly and polite and, although my recent condition wasn't serious, I was treated with care and respect.

Thank you all on ward 27.

Could this cleanliness be attributed to each ward having its own domestic person who is taking a pride in her own part of the hospital?

This is how it was when I trained in the Sixties.

I believe this is a vital part of the clean-up of all hospitals today and a step in the right direction for dealing with "superbugs".

Dorothy Watson,

Elmpark Way, York.

Updated: 10:34 Wednesday, June 29, 2005