Dear Editor, - I read with great interest your front page article, Health Trust Suspends Doctor, (January 12th).

I was a patient at Withybush Hospital last August and can only praise Mr Overton and his staff for their care and dedication to me at all times during my appointments and subsequent admission to hospital.

I can fully understand why Mr Overton is frustrated at the lack of management response and support he has received. He is a dedicated consultant and must be very concerned about the closure of ward two, which he has fought to keep open.

If this means sending patients letters and handing out leaflets in the street, it only goes to show his dedication for the gynaecological department and he should be applauded not suspended. It would be awful were it to close and patients would have to go to Carmarthen for treatment.

Reinstate him immediately and let him do what he does best, that is help cure women like me, who would not be here without him. Please give him all the support he deserves.

J. A. Rose 15 Ffynnon Wen, St Davids.

DEAR EDITOR, - Those of us who rely on Withybush Hospital for treatment can only applaud the actions of suspended gynaecologist Christopher Overton. To stand up for what is right, on behalf of his colleagues, is the mark of someone who truly cares.

We need people like Mr Overton to safeguard the quality of the NHS service. Without him and people like him who are prepared to speak out we will be fobbed off with the lowest levels of service Pembrokeshire and Derwen Trust can legally get away with.

All it takes for evil to flourish is for one good man to do nothing. Thank goodness for the fact that some good men are not prepared to remain silent.

ROY CONOLLY 26B North Crescent, Haverfordwest