UNTIL this year, my family had not really appreciated our country hospitals, and their very caring staff members, and the friends we have made in our local community.

In May this year my husband, unfortunately, became incapacitated with a mystery illness.

After a couple of months in hospital in a nearby regional centre, we were advised to transfer to a large Melbourne hospital for further tests.

A subsequent diagnosis was made and a transfer to a nearby rehabilitation centre was the next step.

So far from home - (thank God for family and friends) - we were required to keep not only the farm ticking over but our spirits up.

Three months was a long time.

We were so glad when the day came that we were told he could transfer to our local district hospital so much closer to home.

We are so grateful to all the staff at this hospital, the Timboon and District Health Care Centre.

Hubby only had to stay there while some alterations were made at home to make life easier, and they were not just concerned about him but me as well.

Nothing was too much trouble and when he had a heavy fall in the driveway, which necessitated a trip to the hospital for a bit of a clean up, we were greeted by a soothing cup of tea as well as caring staff to put things to right.

Our local Lions Club members and a local builder installed a ramp and concrete to park on to make getting in and out of the house and car much easier, as well as installing some rails inside the house.

Thankfully he is making slow, but steady, progress and when we go for physio, we are still greeted as friends, not a number.

We should all remember not to take our local facilities for granted and give them all the support we can.

Without the caring staff in hospitals such as ours, the district would be in a sad and sorry state.

And a very big thank you to all the members of our community for their support and help over this difficult time.

Deirdre Harper, Simpson, Victoria