I READ Linda Piper's article (Bereavement Unit Pioneer Loses Job, News Shopper, August 30) with interest and increasing dismay.

It is clear Queen Mary's Hospital's chief executive appears to be more concerned about money than the wellbeing of patients and staff.

Obviously the hospital needs to get out of debt and balance the books but how and why did it get into such a mess? Who is accountable?

Since when are midwives expected to provide alternative proposals to save cash?

There are plenty of "managers" but they do not appear to be managing their budget very well. A £19.7m debt does not appear overnight.

The clinical and medical staff are doing a wonderful job in caring for patients but their efforts are being undermined by this ill thought out and hasty action.

I know of two families who have benefited greatly from the support of Ann Talbott and the Charlotte Suite and there must be lots more.

Health care is not just about operations and drugs, it is about happiness, comfort and security and these cannot be "priced".

The people of Bexley need a hospital but I want to be confident those with the responsibility for providing and managing its services are acting with probity in their dealings.

Name and address withheld