Since publishing former nurse Ann Williams’ account of working in the NHS for many decades (July 27), Peeps has heard from other readers who remember how GPs would once turn out at any hour to serve their community.

Here we have a letter from Patricia Dennison of Bordon, who remembers her family doctor arriving – still wearing his pyjama bottoms – after being called out at 5am to tend to her sick father.

May I confirm one of the heartwarming observations made by Nurse Ann Williams in the article on July 27 marking the 75th birthday of the NHS.

My parents were visiting us in the 1980s and my father was taken ill overnight. 

I telephoned the doctor’s surgery at about five in the morning.

Within approximately half an hour the doctor was at our front door, anxious to examine my dad. 

My husband took me aside as he was a little concerned that our doctor had his pyjama trousers showing below the legs of his immaculate suit trousers, which were accompanied by a fine suit jacket, waistcoat, collar and tie. 

Was this perhaps the sign of a forthcoming breakdown? Never! 

Calm was established when our doctor requested my husband to gently drive my dad to Basingstoke Hospital with an accompanying letter. He informed us he would be telephoning ahead with his diagnosis.

Pyjamas at the end of trouser legs will live with Ann Williams. They will certainly live with me. At the time they helped save my dad’s life.

Patricia Dennison

Frith End, Bordon