ONCE again we are reporting failures at our main hospitals.

Just weeks after the organisation that runs the John Radcliffe and Horton hospitals was found to have serious failings by the Care Quality Commission, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman has named and shamed it in a report about caring for older people.

The case highlighted by ombudsman Ann Abraham is, frankly, shocking.

You can read about the treatment of “Mr C’s” family on page two and make your own judgment.

But we doubt many right-thinking people will be able to find any excuses for the way the trust handled the case.

No-one could have expected the medics to save this man but collectively the trust failed his family at the moment they needed them most.

Compassion and humanity was needed.

But the impression given is of an automated system grinding its way through its tasks with scant regard for people.

This may be a one-off — although we have also recently reported on the failings in the care of drugs trial patient Andy Witney who was left to pass away in pain and without dignity.

Surely the NHS of the 21st century can do better, show more caring, compassion and pride in its work.