The criticism of Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive Stuart Welling's salary

is unjustified for the highly important and responsible job he has (The Argus, February 12). He has just overseen, in April 2002, the successful merger with the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.

This took great knowledge of the NHS and such knowledge is essential for

the running of a successful service.

Mr Welling may be on the fifth-highest salary but he has the full support of the trust, which has said "he is worth every penny".

The trust feels he is the best man for the job and, by paying him £145,000 a year, has secured his services for the foreseeable future. If the trust does not pay a competitive salary, it will not get the best people for the job.

This is the reality of life in the modern world. Mr Welling could earn a lot more in the private sector if he wished.

-Steve Fuller, Rowan Avenue, Hove