On Sunday evening a moment's carelessness resulted in a garden accident. My husband fell over the hose pipe reel and sustained a significant flesh-wound just above his ankle. We are often told stories of long waits at Accident and Emergency, but this was not our experience. We were treated with sympathy and kindness and were back home within an hour and a half. When we returned the next day to have the dressing checked there was almost a carnival atmosphere. A charity had apparently funded free ice-creams for hospital staff on what was the hottest day of the year. And the ice-cream man's van was providig a great service.

At a time when the difficulties of the NHSnare often headline news it is good to know that the service is carried on by superb peiople, often in unpleasant conditions.