I HAVE been very fortunate never to have needed an ambulance until recently.

In the last few weeks, however, it has been necessary to send for one on several occasions and I would like to say how much my wife and I appreciate the kindness and care of each crew.

Our grateful thanks go to all crews for making the situation less stressful and especially to those whose names we did discover - Hayley and Carl from Totton Station who so kindly took us to Southampton General Hospital on March 25 and to Kate and Andy from Winchester Station on March 28.

My praise and appreciation go also to the staff of RHCH A & E department and particularly for the care of ENT Ward F5 staff at Southampton General Hospital.

Many staff in the NHS are poorly paid especially by comparison with some in other occupations who receive large incomes. Since my recent NHS experiences I am shocked to discover that the pay scale for ambulance staff appears to be as little as £12,000 to £17,000.

This is very poor reward for the wonderful and essential services they provide and maybe an urgent review at Government level is required.

Maurice K. Charrett, Winchester.