‘urgent need for more investment in services’

UNISON’S north west lead for health, Amy Barringer, said more investment in public services is needed.

“The proportion of our national income spent on health has fallen in recent years, and it is low by international standards,” she said.

“The current crisis in our A&Es is a result of a political choice to spend less on health and other public services. That choice does not match the priorities of the public and it certainly does not match the growing health needs in our society.

“Inadequate social care provision means it is difficult to discharge patients safely from hospital.

“Our wards are full and that piles pressure on to A&E departments and ambulance staff.

“Staff are working flat out to try to keep things going, working long hours, missing breaks, sometimes neglecting their own health and family life in their efforts to serve patients.

“Many are frustrated and demoralised as they see the services they work in not being as good as they want them to be.

“There is an urgent need for more investment in our public services.”