Spare a kind thought for the Trust Development Authority. Oh, go on. When news of its 70 per cent budget boost broke, it must have been greeted with glee, among its officers at least. Hotel upgrades and fine dining all round! All in the name of essential networking, of course.

Now that meanie old Stevens has slammed shut the NHS England treasure chest, it was at last the TDA’s time to shine, for sure.

No such luck for the hopeful gaggle, according to the latest missive from TDA chief David Flory to his board. The only treats is store for staff can are a new dishwasher and extra parking space outside an office in Derby. Not terrible glam.