Health officials have made the right decision to close Oxford Community Hospital.

After three outbreaks of the potentially life-threatening bug, clostridium difficile, in four months, drastic action was called for.

Managers and staff had done everything they could to combat the outbreak, including disinfecting and deep cleaning every nook and cranny.

Now the building, at the Churchill Hospital, has been declared unfit for purpose, and may not be reopen.

The closure may have some impact on the care of elderly patients in Oxfordshire, but that is a minor problem.

The health and welfare of patients and staff must come first.