I am writing in support of the local Worthing and Southlands Hospital Trust board, and all hospital staff, to reassure residents that the management which represents them is committed both to a quality service and to financial prudence.

Having attended public meetings with interested parties and local campaigners, I cannot speak highly enough of the chair, Tom Robson, and the chief executive, Stephen Cass, who will not be persuaded from their task of making our hospital the most caring and effective in the region.

As members of the public, we were able to ask questions and were, I believe, given straight answers - not necessarily the ones we wanted to hear but nevertheless a true reflection of our current situation.

They also made it clear, by giving me a contact number, that they are dedicated to high-level patient care, despite Government-imposed targets which to me seem intrusive and obstructive.

MRSA, for example, is being dealt with effectively by a visual barrier, which is reducing the risk to patients, staff and members of the public alike.

Positive rewards for good work is the order of the day. It is great that the Carbon Trust is also being involved to save some energy.

The hospital looks to be on course to meet its financial commitments and stay within its allowable overdraft.

Unfortunately, this does not come about easily and, considering the budget for the hospital is £13 million a month, a deficit of £500,000 a month, though not acceptable in the long term, is reasonable in the current climate.

Any business person will know staffing is always likely to be the highest financial outlay. If streamlining is to take place to save money, then sadly but inevitably some will lose out.

We have been pushed into being obsessed with cost, competition and being paid by the number of patients treated instead of the quality of the care provided.

The focus should be on patients and their families, and also supporting our committed and caring practitioners.

  • Hazel Thorpe, High Street, Tarring