Glennis Mason, of Griffydam in Leicestershire, suffered a perforated bowel while on holiday with her husband John in October.

The 64 year old was rushed to hospital and had to undergo a serious emergency operation.

Since then she has made a good recovery and is looking forward to coming back to Scarborough for a follow-up appointment in four months' time.

Mrs Mason, a grandmother of two, said: "A big thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff at Scarborough Hospital.

"During my two-week stay I was treated with one-to-one care for the first three days by the intensive care team – the entire team was absolutely fantastic.

"After that I was transferred to the Ash Ward to recuperate. The surgeons, Mr KS Mainprize and Mr Neil Yeomans, and their team who performed my operation saved my life, for which my family and I shall be eternally grateful.

"I am aware that hospitals sometimes receive negative criticism, but I would like to express my appreciation of the care and treatment I received whilst at Scarborough Hospital."

Teresa Fenech, director of nursing at Scarborough and North East Yorkshire Healthcare NHS Trust, said: "I would like to thank Mrs Mason for her positive feedback.

"We were delighted to hear that she was so pleased with the care she received at Scarborough that she has requested to attend the hospital for her follow-up treatment.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff for their continued work to provide exceptional healthcare to all our patients."