NHS managers in Oxfordshire may be playing a dangerous game when they spend money they do not have.

Ministers are unlikely to look kindly on a health trust which goes £13m over budget.

But patients are certain to welcome news that at last, they are being put first.

Managers have realised that the lack of nursing staff, cancelled operations, trolley waits and other problems bedevilling our health service will not be solved without spending money.

It is up to the Government to realise that health care does not come cheaply.

Ministers boast about how much they are putting into the NHS - but it is clear they need to invest even more in our hospitals, and in our undervalued, underpaid nursing staff.

Only then will managers be able to provide the high quality service we all expect - and balance the books.