THERE is little doubting the strong reputation of Airedale Hospital locally.

Yes, occasionally you may hear the odd 'horror story' when someone's experience has not been what you would expect.

But that is always going to occur from time to time, with any hospital.

And it is certainly not the norm.

Given its standing within the community, then, Airedale's rating from the Care Quality Commission will have raised a few eyebrows.

However, when you scrutinise the report, some of the findings are perhaps not so surprising.

Staffing problems in the NHS are certainly far from unique.

Granted, it is worrying that the hospital is suffering from a shortage of personnel in some key areas.

Clearly everything possible needs to be done to address this, which Airedale NHS Foundation Trust recognises.

It is, though, part of a much wider health service picture, and answers should also be sought beyond the boundaries of the Steeton site.

It should be noted, too, that there are many positives within the inspectors' findings.

This report will no doubt dent the faith of some in their local hospital, but there is every reason to be confident of a clean bill of health next time around.