They've each dedicated their lives to helping people - but frontline NHS staff are more used to complaints than gratitude.

So dedicated nurses at Wales' busiest A&E department were given a real festive boost when they received a touching Christmas message from a mystery patient.

The unsigned Christmas card arrived at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff earlier this month.

The card read: 'You won't remember me but I wanted to say thank you. I've visited you many times during my lifetime. 

'You've helped me when I am scared, and in pain, and I am grateful for every day I have at home with my family.

'Take good care of yourselves, everyone. Thank you for caring.' 

Loretta Reilly, the directorate manager for unscheduled care at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said the card, by the anonymous sender, had lifted the spirits of A&E staff.

She said: 'Although the card came into the emergency unit I think it is to staff across all hospitals and those working in the community.

'It's a very simple message but one that has really made an impact on staff who appreciate such a kind gesture.

'There'll be hundreds of staff from all areas working over the Christmas period and it's heart warming to know their efforts are appreciated.'

Hospital staff they wanted to publicly thank the sender for their words of gratitude and encouragement.  

Last year, the NHS in Wales had the busiest December in five years and was criticised for missing A&E targets.

Staff are gearing up for another busy festive period with New Year's Eve is traditionally the busiest day of the year for accident and emergency departments. 

Wayne Parsons, senior nurse at the emergency unit, said the message gave his colleagues a festive boost ahead of the busy winter months, when the NHS in Wales asks the public to use health services appropriately. 

'We don't do it for the thanks, but when we hear words like this it does mean a lot,' said Mr Parsons.

'There's a lot said about the NHS in Wales but it's things like this which are important - knowing that we've had the kind of impact on someone's life that makes them take the time to do something like this.'