RECENTLY I had the pleasure of a short break at one of Glasgow`s establishments that is deserving of at least a couple of Bibbendum`s much sought-after Michelin stars.

The atmosphere there was what best can be described as infectious, perhaps an odd choice of words as my venue was the neurosurgery department at the Southern General Hospital.

We too often only read of the negatives regarding our National Health Service instead of praising the hard work and dedication from the support staff through to the surgeons, and in no way do I wish to differentiate between them, because one cannot work without the other.

I heard and saw caring, compassionate and confident staff and more than a few times patients had almost no-holds-barred yet still considerate assessments of their condition and line of treatment.

I do not write this in a state of euphoria and with rose- tinted glasses; I came out slightly less mobile than when I went in. However, my condition has been treated and with the help and encouragement I am having and the support in place before I left there is certainly hope.

The building itself requires a little tender loving care but bearing in mind the resources currently being spent in the surrounding area it is perhaps understandable just now. I just hope that the impetus to improve carries on to include the existing buildings.

I had more laughs last week there than I normally have at home and at work.

George Dale,

Oakwood Drive,

Beith.