I would like to answer Dave Brown's question, when he asks "Am I missing something?" ("Scandal of the puffing patients", Your say August 13).

Yes sir you are, It's a bit of humanity.

The people smoking are outside in the fresh air, while I agree the chap in the photo was too near to the hospital door, most are by the benches, some are too ill to walk any further away, and while it is probably true smoking has damaged their health I, a non-smoker, uphold their right to do so if they wish.

My dad was given cigarettes by the Government while fighting in World War II. They were thought to calm the nerves.

Then he was 18 years old and he lived to 88: "My one bit of pleasure," he used to say.

He didn't drink, wasn't violent, but loved a fag while telling a tale or two.

People cannot just give up like that. The withdrawal is as bad as the cigs health-wise, and if you are worried about someone and a smoker, you want one ASAP. Live and let live for heaven's sake.

Be grateful you are not a smoker, but one thing is sure: no one leaves here alive. What they do in that life is up to them, and while you may not like it, I think a little leeway can must be applied in some cases.

Janice Dodsworth