They say journalists are a dedicated bunch, and reporter Gareth Davies proved it when he was taken ill recently.

The South Wales Evening Post’s health correspondent is recovering from the life-threatening acute appendicitis for which he needed an emergency operation.

But instead of putting his feet up, Gareth decided to use his experience to write a full-page feature about his illness and the treatment he received.

He said: “The health service in Swansea is alive and well – and so am I because of it.

“The treatment I received from start to finish was outstanding.”

After a visit from the on-call doctor, Gareth was rushed into hospital.

He said: “Following checks, the surgeons confirmed it was acute appendicitis and the darn thing was taken out later that morning.

“Then I had a week of being drugged up on painkillers in ward three. I dealt with it but obviously support from family and friends helped.

“Many joked that it was ironic I’d gone into hospital after being the Evening Post’s health correspondent for just six months.

“Nurse shortage problems have been a problem in Swansea and the staff in ward three certainly seemed rushed off their feet.

“But the humour and caring attitude was magnificent, no matter what.”

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