EVERY day there seems to be a new headline complaining about the NHS. Well, I want to flag up how incredibly good it can be, from my experience as primary carer for a mental health patient (a pensioner) - now fully recovered.

This is Gloucestershire - Stroud and Cirencester. Patients are referred to a Home Care team of 2 psychiatrists and a 24/7 crisis group of nurses. The psychiatrist and nurses visit patients in the home and the availability of professional help day and night is very reassuring.

If the patients condition deteriorates in spite of medication, a bed is found in Charlton Lane hospital Cheltenham and he/she is transferred to the care of the hospital psychiatrist and the excellent team of nurses, psychologist, physiotherapists etc. The hospital refurbished and reopened in 2010 its 'state-of-the-art' pleasing decor, individual rooms with ensuite, excellent food, all modern technology.... Here the patient is closely monitored so that necessary changes in drugs and dosage can be adjusted and recovery accelerated.

At the appropriate time, the patient is given a short 'home-leave' to see if ready to resume normal life again. If so, discharge from hospital follows - but to the Home Care team, who continue to be available and to keep a watchful eye. In due course - sometimes very quickly - this care is, in turn, transferred to the elderly care team (still linked to the consultant, and with the crisis group still available if needed).

This is truly 'joined up' medical care, since it follows through to support in the community. We could not fault any aspect of the treatment nor can we speak highly enough of the people. All doctors, nurses etc were kind, sympathetic, communicative.

We are grateful to live in this geographical location at this time of crises, because we are sure that not all parts of the country can offer the wonderful service we have experienced with the NHS in Gloucestershire.

Dursley Resident

Name and Address Supplied.

p.s. Unfortunately, mental illness still carries a stigma. People should realise that it is an illness.