Commenting on latest NHS England performance data published today (Thursday), UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said:
“The NHS is under intense strain and crying out for emergency treatment of its own.
“Sick and injured people face unbearable waiting times, often on trolleys in hospital corridors and ambulances are in lengthy queues to hand over patients.
“And this is the picture in a mild winter. The impact of a cold snap would bring the system to its knees.
“The government has to explain urgently how it’s going to fix the health and social care system that clearly can no longer cope.”
Notes to editors
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes T: 0207 121 5255 M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Garfield Myrie T: 0207 121 5546 M: 07432 741565 E: g.myrie@unison.co.uk