WHAT is going on with Worcester's health service? Earlier this month we took the Worcestershire Royal Hospital to task over a monumental blunder that caused no small degree of upset for a young mother. We suggested that administrative matters left much to be desired and that there needed to be a major review of the hospital's office procedures.

Now we learn of the appalling case of Roy Houlson, the grandfather-of-seven who died after a catalogue of errors. The heart patient had thought he was in the clear - but a mix-up over appointment notification was to ultimately have fatal consequences.

Incompetence is one thing - but prevarication is another. This newspaper is appalled that although the negligence was plain to see, and despite all the evidence to the contrary, the former Ronkswood hospital initially denied liability. It was only when their position became untenable that the hospital authorities caved in and offered to pay compensation. In other words, there came a time when the wriggling had to stop.

Mr Houlson's daughter Samantha says the money her mother will receive is the least of the family's concerns. She told the Worcester News that she wanted lessons to be learnt to ensure others would not suffer in the future.

Absolutely. For something seems to be very wrong with the admin. As frontline staff did their best, a flaw in the system let them - and us - down badly. There is no doubt that heads should have rolled over this.