When will the boards of our local hospitals come to realise that “patients” are not only the ones who are inpatients in their hospital beds.

On reading the article regarding the end of hairdressing services offered by Kaz Mills at Worthing Hospital (The Argus, August 24), I beg the league of friends and the new hospital board to think again.

Patients needing services come into the hospital for many other reasons than to be admitted on to the wards.

Many patients are discharged earlier than used to be years ago but surely their needs should be met.

Some are coming into the hospital for ongoing treatments including physiotherapy or chemotherapy, to use the hydrotherapy pool or attend outpatients appointments.

So many patients have been glad of the services offered by Kaz who is not just a hairdresser but gives confidence and compassion to patients who are often in need of a “listening ear” at a time when our hard-working nurses have not always got that extra time. Kaz always finds the time for her clients.

Many find that visiting the hairdresser’s is another healing service for the welfare and continuing care in an environment that many patients feel safe within.

Come on league of friends, none of us are in doubt of the good work that you do but surely this also is a vital part of the service to those in need.

Kaz has served patients and staff who work long hours and are glad of her services and I am also sure the league of friends shop next door benefit from the clients who attend the hairdresser’s by purchasing a welcome cup of tea afterwards.

Let us see a compromise as many of us know that Kaz is more than happy to downsize the shop floor used at present to accommodate the extra goods that the league of friends wish to sell.

Please do not let the staff and patients lose yet another vital service.

Sue Cook
Fernhurst Drive
Goring