PATIENTS at Farnham Hospital have not been at risk despite being left in the care of just one doctor, says Surrey Hampshire Borders NHS Trust.

The trust insists that patient care is not being compromised by staff leave, which has left a single doctor in mornings and a single doctor in the afternoons.

Normally, two doctors are on hand during both sessions to tend to patient needs.

"Surrey Hampshire Borders NHS Trust acknowledges that it is currently experiencing difficulty in covering junior medical posts during a two-week holiday period.

"However, the trust is continuing to provide a safe environment for its patients receiving rehabilitative care at Farnham Hospital," a hospital spokesperson told The Herald.

Dr Ibrahim, consultant physician agreed, saying: "It is sometimes difficult to obtain locum medical cover over the popular school holidays. However we are all working together to ensure that the high standards of patient care at Farnham Hospital are not compromised during this holiday period."

The hospital, which has a 50-bed capacity, is currently caring for 44 elderly patients who are recuperating following treatment for acute illnesses at Frimley Park Hospital.

Staffing levels will be back to normal from Monday, August 6.