We strongly endorse the call for a ministerial review of the decision to close the accident and emergency (and other departments) at Chase Farm Hospital.

So often nowadays, many of us have reason to complain about bad service or the poor standard of care we receive.

Seldom we feel constrained to express our appreciation. However, in the aftermath of our own family’s experience this last weekend, we wish to place on public record our heartfelt thanks to Chase Farm Hospital.

Our family live in Turnford and we are the parents of three young sons. On Saturday, June 27, our middle son, Mathew, six, was knocked off his bike.

Within minutes of our call to 999, both paramedics and an ambulance were on the scene closely followed by the police.

Mathew, accompanied by his dad, was rushed to Chase farm Hospital. On arrival he was met by a team of doctors and nurses and immediately taken to accident and emergency.

The treatment that Mathew received was 100 per cent excellent in every possible respect.

We were kept informed at every stage of his treatment and care. The doctors never left his side and escorted him to get an X-ray, CT scan etc. It is thanks to them, the nurses and all Chase Farm Hospital staff, that we were able to take Mathew home on Sunday.

We owe a special word of appreciation to Sister Grace who remained with us throughout Saturday afternoon and evening, and to all the nursing and other staff on Kingfisher Ward.

Chase Farm Hospital certainly lives up to its mission statement, that is, “continually to strive to deliver excellent patient care, of which patients, the public and staff can be proud”.

NATASHA AND MARTIN FAIRHEAD, Turnford, Hertfordshire