Over the past few months there have been reports of accidents and cases of neglect in various hospitals, nursing and care homes.

Some of these have been the result of indifference on the part of managers and carers.

In some private establishments, gain and profit have prevailed over love and compassion.

The elderly mentally ill are a particularly vulnerable group in society, hit by the fact they are suffering from dementia.

Firstly, the NHS and private organisations ought to adopt an ethical policy for carers under the motto "do as you would be done by".

Young carers and nurses need to realise they might end up one day just like some of the patients they care for.

This needs to be drummed into them from the start, and constantly throughout their working lives.

Perhaps a poster on the wall of the staff rooms portraying an elderly person, obviously weak and frail, would have a dramatic effect.

On the other hand, carers need better pay and training.

They should be paid for sickness as many of them come into work with infections which spread to vulnerable patients, causing grave complications.

Furthermore, people coming from abroad to work in the care industry should receive orientation courses in the British way of life and to be able to communicate adequately in English.

Too many are being imported into this country as carers as cheap labour.

In short, these people are being exploited.

  • The Rev John Webster, Wilfrid Road, Hove