I WAS lucky enough to have been born just before the creation of the NHS and, due to its existence, have survived two life-threatening emergencies.

My wife has also suffered bad health and received great medical care, as have millions of others.

We are not alone in our admiration for the NHS, which is always there to provide care, in spite of funding and resource issues.

Of course, these dedicated professionals are subject to the same stress and worries as the rest of us.

I feel we should show are gratitude and respect them at all times.

We should treat them in a civil manner and not take them for granted.

Finally, we should only call upon them in a REAL EMERGENCY, i.e. a finger ache does not count.

P.S. These remarks also apply to our other emergency services.

Thank you.

COLIN PHILLIPS