Everyone, particularly older folks, complain about everything these days so, despite my increasing years, I’m working hard at not becoming a moaning old git.

But I reckon, even more important than avoiding the grouching and griping when something goes wrong, is to recognise and praise good service or treatment.

Our NHS has once again taken a bashing in the news for a high level of avoidable deaths by comparison to other ‘rich’ nations.

Well, by chance, I had need to use the service recently when I damaged my Achilles tendon and was advised to attend an Urgent Treatment Centre - okay, not life or death, but very painful.

The medical member of staff I encountered was, without a shadow of a doubt, the best, most professional, most approachable, most effective and most down-to-earth individual I have ever dealt with in the NHS.

First, I received a positively vivacious welcome that would put anyone at ease and was then treated to a most thorough, expert and understanding review of my injury. Everything was explained in a clear and concise manner with exactly the right level of detail and just a smattering of humour.

I’ve dealt with a few great surgeons and doctors, whose expertise has been beyond question, but their ‘bedside manner’ or simple ability to use plain English has been disastrous.

Now, you might say this is just a one-off or my experience was lucky on this occasion, but I witnessed first hand Kip Dwyer’s interaction with both the patient before and after me and he was equally effective and attentive with them too.

So, take a bow, sir. Your professionalism does you great credit and I am delighted to have this opportunity to recognise and mark your competence and attitude.

And, while I’m expressing my gratitude, I must in all fairness give mention to Natasha Santos Botes, the physiotherapist assigned to my case.

“Your professionalism does you great credit and I am delighted to have this opportunity to recognise and mark your competence and attitude...”

I was once again seen in a very timely manner and received excellent treatment and attention.

I’m sure you will all be pleased to hear the damage to my tendon is fortunately not as severe as first feared and if I adhere to the treatment and exercises prescribed, I should be back on my feet and fully functional in a matter of weeks.

I do understand one swallow doesn’t make a summer and, as I’ve stated previously, the NHS faces considerable challenges and will be required to undergo a serious transformation to remain effective.

But one thing is for sure, for the NHS to be successful in the future, retaining staff like Kip and Natasha needs to be its top priority.