THE appalling case of surgeon Steven Walker has occupied the headlines of newspapers and television all week. It has not been pleasant reading or viewing.

It has no doubt been even more traumatic for relatives of those who died because of the blunders perpetrated by a surgeon who was properly found guilty of serious professional misconduct.

Blackpool Victoria Hospital has come in for a barrage of criticism too. Did they act promptly enough? Should Walker have been suspended as soon as doubts were expressed about his ability? Why did it take five years before he was struck off?

But is this criticism justified? We think not. It is now nearly three years since the hospital suspended Walker and since that time the Victoria has moved on.

It has recently been awarded three star status and been described as being one of the most cost-effective and productive hospitals in the country. It has also long had a tremendous reputation for its treatment of heart patients.

As you may have read elsewhere on this page, 120 operations are carried out there every day. The majority of them are no doubt successful.

This then is surely not the time for recriminations or unjustified attacks on its staff. Suggestions that public confidence in the hospital is at a low ebb are, frankly, negative to say the least.

Nevertheless, we make no apology for having spelt out today some of the Victoria's impressive credentials.

Because we believe it is important that the residents of Blackpool and the Fylde, some of whom may shortly become patients themselves, are reassured beyond all doubt that their health is the paramount concern of all 3,000 people whose jobs it is to care for them.

Mr Steven Walker has gone. Let the Vic get on with the job they do best. Saving lives.