I AM writing against the letter that was published in BEN on November 22 about animals being allowed into our hospitals.

I don't really think it matters whether they let animals in to the hospital or not, I think it should be up to the patient. If the animal comforts someone when they are in need, then that would make things better wouldn't it?

As for the hygiene side of it, I'm sure there would be restrictions to where animals can actually go within the hospital, and they will have their own rules about whether the animal is clean enough to enter a ward. It is not fair to criticise the hospital when they are only trying to do their job. Not only that you have to think about some of the patients who don't have family, that dog or cat may be the only thing left they have and, to be honest with you, I would rather die with a cat on my lap than on my own, what about you?

I really don't mean to be rude or disrespectful, but you can't criticise unless you understand why they have done this and I and probably other people would agree to this.

Sarah Dorsett

Bolton