NHS DOCS GOING DOWNHILL FAST

HUNDREDS of top NHS doctors enjoyed a champagne-filled ski holiday on the taxpayer – while Britain fights its worst flu crisis in years.

Around 400 medics from across the country flew to the Val d’Isère ski resort in France to take part in a lavish conference.

As hospitals struggle to contain the lethal flu virus, guests on the trip were enjoying seven hours of leisure activity a day.

Over four days, doctors enjoyed slalom races, mulled wine and champagne, despite the desperate situation at home.

Each doctor could claim £500 for the trip, which was said to be designed to improve their “professional development”.

The doctors stayed in luxury accommodation including the three-star Hotel La Savoyarde and the four-star Le Tesantelenia. St ® George’s NHS trust in Tooting, with 10 doctors on the trip, defended the spending.

A spokesman said: “Each doctor is entitled to a total annual contribution of £500 towards training.

“Any additional costs are funded by the doctors themselves.”

More than 150 people have died from flu since October, more than three times the amount who passed away last winter.

Public Health England have described the situation as the worst outbreak since 2010-11.

Brits on social media reacted furiously, blasting it as “unbelievable”. One user said: “Cannot believe it is timed at the NHS busiest time.”

A spokesman for St George’s said the trip had no impact on dayto-day services.