I can well imagine the anguish suffered by Clare Knight having to make the round trip of 500 miles to see her prematurely-born son Harrison because the facilities needed for his birth were unavailable when required.

It's ludicrous to comprehend this situation in 2003, especially in view of the Government's proud boast, mostly justified, of improvements in the NHS.

The various hospital authorities unable to assist Clare are also blameless.

I wonder if those wishing to squander £38 million to replace a pier nobody wants have any feelings of guilt when they consider this not inconsiderable sum could be used to build a new and extended, urgently-required premature baby unit.

-CM Jacobs, Hove