I BELIEVE I was a patient in Southampton General Hospital at the time as Mrs K Bricknell's relative was in those wards (Letters, May 12).

I saw the nurses being split up and two were directed elsewhere. The nurses looked shocked and I became concerned for them.

I commend the two remaining nurses on night duty.

The man in the next bed to mine, the only man in our ward, was so ill and distressed and uncomfortable and needed the full attention of one of the nurses. She spent at least an hour changing his bed and clothes, making him as comfortable as possible and all the time speaking to him so kindly. The man thanked her, and the nurse said "please don't worry, that is why I am here''.

When she finished, she came round to other patients - emergency bells were ringing everywhere.

The other nurse, presumably, was attending to at least 28 others. When she came to me my eyes filled up with tears and I said that when and if I became as ill I would be so grateful to have her help me as she did that gentleman.

Doctors were coming and going to all of us and were so polite and attentive. Nothing was too much trouble for the day nurses but they were pushed to the extreme. My little ward was as clean as a bell, cleaners were constantly in attendance. The sister said their wards were second to none.

Most patients and relatives do not want to complain because they rely on the staff. The last thing they want is a senior manager at their bedside taking notes for an investigation.

MRS MOORBY (by e-mail).