In view of the adverse publicity The Argus (September 7) has given the Nigel Porter Unit (NPU), I must defend the wonderful work the unit does.

I have been a voluntary worker in the NPU since it opened in 1993 and have seen the number of patients treble in that time, covering a very wide area. The medical and clerical staff are a very dedicated, hardworking and compassionate team. They give their time and care to patients without reservation.

All the published criticism does nothing for the morale of the staff and is of no benefit to the patients.

-Jean M Tobin, Lenham Road West, Rottingdean