I HAVE recently returned home after a long stay in the maternity ward at Arrowe Park Hospital and I wish to draw attention to the service I received here on the NHS.

From early pregnancy right through to delivery and beyond, I have been cared for by an impressively dedicated, skilful and hard working team of people.

Early diagnosis of a life-threatening complication involved months of care, monitoring and advice, culminating in a long stay in hospital where I, and eventually my baby, were looked after better than I ever imagined possible.

My baby and I literally owe our lives to a team of people who can still smile and reassure at the end of a gruelling 12-hour plus shift.

Perhaps if everyone could experience the work of the NHS in as much detail as I have been able to recently, the rest of society would be campaigning with staff to protect their pay, conditions and pension rights.

Liz Grey by e-mail.