Yet again, we read of the problems of MRSA and other infections at the Royal Sussex County Hospital (The Argus, June 23).

Having recently spent a week in the cardiac ward, I am full of praise for the care and attention from the doctors and nurses.

However, throughout the day and into the night, the number of visitors rarely eases.

Most treat the wards as a social venue, with no regard for the seriously-ill patients who need peace and quiet.

And not one used the gel provided to clean their hands.

Indeed, many were eating and drinking around beds, in some cases, as many as six at a time.

They should bring back a rule that there should only be two visitors at a time and they should report to the ward senior nurse, who could instruct them on the correct hygiene procedures.

People should support our doctors and nurses in their jobs and stop treating hospitals as a social meeting place.

-Anthony J Storey, Brighton