Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed distress and shame over the experiences of patients as six hospitals declared critical incidents in their Accident and Emergency departments. He acknowledged the struggles of the NHS amidst a surge in seasonal viruses, stating that the system is 'broken, not beaten'. Streeting highlighted the increased number of beds occupied by flu patients compared to usual, emphasizing that annual winter pressures should not result in a recurring winter crisis. He mentioned visiting Derriford hospital in Plymouth during the Christmas period, noting its recurring challenges despite staff efforts. Streeting pledged to work towards consistent improvement and promised a forthcoming emergency care reform plan.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has told LBC he is "distressed and ashamed" about what patients are going through as six hospitals have declared critical incidents in their A&Es. It's been a turbulent start to the year for Labour ministers so far, and the NHS is struggling again amid a spike in seasonal viruses.And it comes after polling carried out for LBC revealed that one in four voters who backed Labour last year now regrets it.
Mr Streeting then said there are more more beds taken up with flu at the moment than usual, but that "annual winter pressures should not lead to an annual winter crisis".Over the Christmas period, Mr Streeting stated he "popped into the Derriford hospital in Plymouth to look at the A&E there.He said that it "pops up every winter crisis" because they have particular challenges - despite staff's efforts and a "great new chief executive".
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