I have been astonished to read criticism of the hospitals in Brighton in your newspaper.

I was recently a patient of the Sussex Eye Hospital, firstly as an emergency admission in February 2004 and subsequently as an out-patient, until July.

On all occasions, I was seen by caring staff at every level.

The waiting areas, consulting rooms and toilets were always spotlessly clean.

In my view, this meaningless preoccupation with targets by faceless bureaucrats does the hospital system a great disservice.

It is also discouraging to overworked and dedicated staff. This target nonsense has got to stop so that treating patients becomes paramount.

-John Blasby, Hailsham