THERE are just 10 days to have a say on the future of treatment for children with heart problems, and there is a feeling we are just sleepwalking towards a decision being made for us.

There is seemingly quite a complex set of options health officials have put up for the public to consult upon and, in many ways, some will feel Oxford has already lost a fight to retain services here.

The children’s heart centre at Oxford was deemed too small to carry on being an operating centre.

However, some treatment for the county’s sick youngsters will be retained and that is now what is up for consultation.

The loss of surgery is almost certainly the reason why there have only been 57 submissions so far from Oxfordshire people.

But the amount of local treatment being carried out at the John Radcliffe is still up for decision.

Proponents claim continuing an already-established partnership with Southampton would mean the greater share of treatment would continue in Oxford. And, for a parent with a child needing ongoing treatment, surely that is the best option. Who wants to be trailing up and down to Bristol, for example, if it can be helped?

But if you don’t have your say then you can’t complain if, one day, you are badly affected.