Letter: Too much negative press about NHS

I am very concerned that these stories could encourage people to believe that the NHS is letting patients down. This is simply not the case.

NHS staff across the country are working really hard and making a huge effort to provide safe care and to keep waiting times as short as possible.

Of course, we apologise to anyone who has experienced a delay.

However, I would like the stories covered by the media to focus on the good things being done and the difference this makes rather than just seeking negative pieces to publish.

Every hour of every day our fantastic NHS staff in our hospitals continue to face and deal with difficult and challenging circumstances and, along with our health and social care partners, continue to provide the best possible care for patients.

It is time to stand up and say a huge thank to our fantastic NHS staff and let them know how valued they are and just how much the care they give is appreciated.

I am immensely proud of the frontline staff at my own hospital and all staff across the NHS and also all those who work behind the scenes to support the clinical teams caring for patients.

I invite local people to join me in saying thank you.

Michael Wilson CBE

Chief executive, Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, East Surrey Hospital, Canada Avenue, Redhill