THE Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Trust has had a difficult fortnight after its ham-fisted attempt to close the Silver Star baby unit.

Despite that, we must believe it when it says it has in place a robust system to ensure nursing cover is sufficient despite its change in lunchbreaks for nurses.

Originally nurses would get a one-hour break, with 30 minutes of that paid. Now they will have a full hour unpaid.

A doctor fears this will impact on the hospital because many nurses currently work part of their break. If they are no longer being paid for half their break they may not give that extra effort.

They may also, he reasons, decide to take their full hour away from the hospital site and therefore not be on hand should an emergency happen.

They are reasoned assumptions yet do not take into account the fact that nurses are hardworking and dedicated to giving care to patients.

It is unlikely many would, as a point of employment principle, disappear if it put patients at real risk.

It should also be pointed out that the nurses should take their breaks because, like anyone else, they will not perform at their best if fatigued.

It is the responsibility of the trust to manage staff numbers so changes do not affect those needing care.