WITH NHS standards in the news from the fall-out of the Mid Staffs inquiry, many will be concerned by today’s front page report on increasing stress felt by county hospital workers.

We report that 36 per cent of Oxford University Hospital NHS Trust staff who responded to its annual survey said they felt unwell due to work- related stress compared to 31 per cent in 2011.

While there is good news – there are fewer who have seen serious mistakes and more who would recommend county hospitals – it raises questions about the years ahead.

While the NHS is not having its budget cut, it is having to find savings to cope with the inevitable increase in costs, from energy and fuel to new and expensive drugs.

The inquiry into avoidable deaths in Mid Staffs found how neglect is often the greatest form of abuse.

It would be a tragedy if our nursing staff – who want to help those most in need – could not devote the time they need to Oxfordshire’s patients