Uncertain future

6:59am Friday 11th April 2008

A glance at the letters on the page opposite will give some indication of the depth of feeling that is welling up in the face of the threats faced by the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre.

The world-famous specialist hospital may see its services taken over by private companies or another NHS trust.

This has led to fears that treatments that have established the NOC as a world leader in treating chronic bone conditions could be lost.

The NOC is not simply a local or even a regional centre, but a site of excellence delivering specialist treatments to people from across the country.

This hard-won reputation for high-quality treatment must not be lost.