I RECENTLY had the misfortune to crack three ribs and this necessitated two trips to my local hospitals.

The first was to the minor injuries unit at Northwich Infirmary. I was treated promptly, courteously and professionally and told that if the pain and shortness of breath did not improve within a week to attend A&E at Leighton.

The shortness of breath continued and began to cause me a deal of concern so I attended A&E.

Again I was seen very promptly and examined by two nurses. They were very thorough, professional and most importantly reassuring. They put me at ease and gave me sound advice and sent me happily on my way.

There is no doubt that our NHS is under tremendous pressure and that matters may get worse, particularly in terms of the relationship between NHS and social care delivery.

What does not help is the NHS being used as a political football by politicians of all persuasions and as a Cheshire West and Northwich councillor I think it is about time our Westminster colleagues came to some cross-party agreement on how to sustain and improve our beloved NHS.

Sam Naylor Northwich