I RECENTLY visited Darlington Memorial Hospital after my mother became ill.

All the staff, from accident and emergency to the intensive care unit, were very kind and caring and I would like to thank them for their help.

However, during my visits I was appalled by the inconsiderate behaviour of the public.

Despite the whole hospital site being a no-smoking zone many people totally ignored this.

Smokers were lighting up inches from the main doors and smoke could be detected within the ground floor of the hospital.

Also, some car drivers thought it was acceptable to drive through the middle of the ambulance bay to drop someone off.

One lady parked in the ambulance bay. I was relieved to see that she did get a parking ticket.

No one should be allowed in the ambulance bay except ambulances, and car parking spaces are near enough to be convenient.

Staff I spoke to said it was difficult to enforce either rule.

I suggest hospital managers take a look at how to solve these issues.

M Thomas, Darlington.