Brighton Health Care NHS Trust has made great strides since its bosses were given an ultimatum in September.

After it failed three key tests, they were told to improve the performance of their hospitals or be out of a job.

Since then, it has really worked hard on reducing delays for breast cancer patients and in the accident department.

It has also tried to cut waiting lists.

Some aspects are partly out of its control, such as bed blocking caused by a shortage of nursing homes.

There is also a continuous lack of cash.

But the Government has to decide whether anyone else would do better than Stuart Welling and his top team, in what is the NHS equivalent of a bed of nails.

They probably wouldn't but the experienced Mr Welling knows more than ever that if they survive they will have to continue the good progress.