IN THE last few months it has been necessary for me to visit Hillingdon hospital.

I was less than impressed to see a doctor and a nurse in Accident and Emergency chewing gum, as were two nurses on Drayton Ward later that same day.

These two looked more suited to an American diner than a hospital ward. The nursing care I'm sure was excel-lent but first impressions left me stunned.

A receptionist this week in an outpatients department was also chewing constantly while talking to the various patients.

It looks less than professional to see gum rolling around in their mouths;

it's not nice. For goodness sake let's try to maintain some basic standards and set some sort of example to the youngsters.

SHIRLEY P.LONGSTAFF, Balmoral Drive, Hayes.