I, LIKE Stan Full (Letters, 15 June), have always had high regard for our NHS.

A year ago I was admitted into Salisbury District Hospital for a hip replacement. I found the nursing staff caring and could not have been looked after better. When I came round after surgery they provided instant pain relief and when I was taken to the ward I was able to enjoy a cup of tea and sandwich.

Last week I was admitted to the same hospital to have the other hip replaced and it was like I was in another hospital.

On that occasion I was taken to a single room and was not visited by nursing staff for one-and-a-half hours. I was in so much pain that I begged for pain relief.

On day two at lunchtime I was taken out of bed and placed in a chair which I understood was a post-operational procedure. I remained in the chair until 6pm and although clean sheets were close by the bed it remained unmade until my surgeon made his post-operative visit.

I had no hot drink between breakfast and dinner in the evening. This also occurred on another day when I also had to keep asking for water.

On the day that I was discharged I asked three times for the cannulas to be removed.

Throughout my stay it was only too apparent that the ward was understaffed and the nurses that were on duty were stretched to the limit.

Surely efficient, post-operative care is as important as surgery? Should this care not be forthcoming the net result will be disillusioned staff and patients who feel uncared for, as I did.

My stay in the hospital was so depressing. I was glad to come home for my 76-year-old husband to look after me.

Pensioner, Andover — 75-years-old. Full name and address supplied.