I SEE in The Press of September 2 that York Hospital faces £10 million in fines because not meeting targets.

Well, they won’t help themselves by charging drunks or drug users who are taking up beds for hours then there are no beds for those who really need them. Hence patients are waiting a long time, so the hospital does not meet its targets and is fined.

Two points here: the hospital should charge drinkers and drug users for their time in hospital to offset the fines; or have a separate unit not in A&E so that patients can be seen more quickly, helping the hospital to meet its target. The unit that treats drunks and drug users could be exempt from any such timings or fines.

Wojciech Simpson, Chestnut Grove, New Earswick.