The following are a letter to and response from Venetta Symonds, chief executive officer of the Bermuda Hospitals Board

Dear Mrs Symonds,

I am writing this letter as a thank you for providing exceptional services during my recent medical emergency.

On May 9, I went to the emergency department in extreme discomfort and upon entering I went to the desk and was admitted at once, as I believe I must have looked as I felt.

Questions were asked and a young Canadian lady doctor had me have an X-ray and a scan, which were read almost immediately, and treatment was started to clear a blockage caused by a hiatus hernia.

This necessitated that I stay in emergency due to the acute wing being full, but I was looked after well, until I was able to be admitted on the Tuesday to the fourth floor.

During that time, I was introduced to Dr Vestweber, who was the on-call surgeon who explained exactly what was wrong and how he proposed to rectify the problem caused by the hernia.

I also met Dr Hamilton, who also talked to me and took my particulars while I was rehydrated and on Wednesday was put on a fluid diet, which suited me as I love Jell-O.

On the Thursday, Dr Vestweber told me that with my permission he would like to operate on Friday, to which I readily gave my approval, having had all the information necessary.

The operation was a success, as I woke in the recovery with five small incisions from having my stomach put back into place and the hernia repaired.

The nurses and all of the supporting staff were very efficient, and did all that was necessary to keep me aware of what was happening and answered all of my questions.

Dr Vestweber came to see me every day until I was discharged; seven days after being admitted.

I can only say thank you to all concerned for such service.

LAWRENCE DAVIS

Good afternoon Mr Davis,

Thank you for sharing your kind words of appreciation. Our team is committed to delivering safe, high-quality, people-centred, compassionate care every day, as stated in our mission.

Your acknowledgement will provide encouragement to our care professionals as they aim to deliver on this mission consistently, especially during these challenging periods when we are managing with overcapacity concerns.

Thank you also for your patience during your extended wait in emergency. I am happy to hear that you were comfortable and communicated with throughout your stay.

We wish you all of the very best as you continue with your recovery. I have shared your note with the Chief of Staff and Chief of Nursing.

All of the very best.

VENETTA