I was recently taken to Tauranga Hospital in the early hours of the morning with bad abdominal pains. I was so surprised to realise that Pathlab was working and had blood test results back to my doctor in Emergency Department after about 30 minutes it seemed.

Radiology was also staffed and the friendly orderlies were never far away when they were needed to transport me.

And someone qualified to read the X-rays and CT scans was also on-site, so my doctor was constantly being updated on test results to inform me of, and in order to decide what the next step would be. All staff were friendly and welcoming as they efficiently carried out their duties. I'm awaiting biopsy results now that would have taken weeks to reach otherwise.

Not all of us will get the test results we're hoping for, but I'm very grateful to Tauranga Hospital staff for making what could be a scary and bewildering experience friendly, calm, informative and productive.

As a born-and-bred Mountie, it was the first time I felt welcome and at home in public in my own home town for more than 30 years. Thanks Tauranga Hospital – You Rock!

S Carter, Pyes Pa.