HEALTH chiefs have apologised for a website job advert which refers to patients as hostile and antagonistic . The job description states the communications manager for the NHS East and North Hertfordshire - the new name for the local primary care trust -

HEALTH chiefs have apologised for a website job advert which refers to patients as "hostile and antagonistic".

The job description states the communications manager for the NHS East and North Hertfordshire - the new name for the local primary care trust - might have to explain "complex and sensitive issues to a hostile or antagonistic audience including journalists, MPs, stakeholders and patients".

A spokesman for NHS East and North Hertfordshire has apologised for the wording used in the job description.

She said: "We agree it was clumsy and are genuinely sorry to have caused offence.

"We have taken immediate steps to change the relevant sentence in the document."

The spokesman added: "Our intention had been to convey the challenges of debate the post holder would face and the terminology we used was indeed inappropriate.

"We have the utmost respect for all whom we engage with in our discussions around developing services.