OXFORDSHIRE’s Primary Care Trust has left itself with more questions over its openness with the public after supplying answers to the Oxford Mail over its handling of swine flu.

Parents were naturally concerned when it was confirmed that a six-year-old girl was the first case of swine flu in Oxfordshire.

They wanted information because they feared for the safety of their children — yet the PCT refused to name the school and gave off an air that it knew best.

The girl has recovered and the PCT maintains there was no risk to fellow pupils or teachers at Sandhills Primary School, but valid questions remain over the trust’s credibility.

At first, the PCT said the confirmation came on Saturday, then it said it told the school and county council there was a confirmed case on Friday afternoon.

Well, which is it?

Some of its answers to other questions could be described as less than co-operative.

This is a matter of public interest. Absolutely the PCT should protect a patient’s confidentiality, but don’t mislead the public. The danger is when you then appeal for them to trust you that there is no looming danger, they are unlikely to believe you.