It seems the NHS is currently bearing all the flack concerning low standards while the private sector gets away with it.

Yet only days ago, visiting a friend, in his 50s, at a private clinic in Sussex, I was thoroughly disillusioned to note the signs of neglect all too apparent, despite the extremely high fees he pays.

It was supposed to be a secure unit, yet I walked straight in, no receptionist on the desk.

No one was free to escort me to my friend's room so, eventually, I had to ask a patient to show me the way.

I found him in a shabby room with only one chair - though he had two visitors and we noticed that, after two weeks there, he smelt as if he badly needed a bath.

One can get neglect cheaply on the NHS I understand, so maybe they deserve more credit.

-B Bailey, Monks Court, Lancing