Now, figures obtained under freedom of information laws show that in 2022, 1 in 16 of England’s NHS ambulance workers took time off due to conditions such as anxiety, stress and depression – the equivalent of 1,100 staff. NHS bosses and unions say deteriorating working conditions caused by staff shortages are driving the absences, which have increased by a third since 2020 from 188,134 to 247,711 lost days.

Prof Kamila Hawthorne, who chairs the Royal College of GPs, said: "GPs and our teams are working tirelessly to deliver safe, timely and appropriate care and to give patients the choice of appointment they want.

"It is not right that stores are able to prominently display vaping paraphernalia for all to see, such as in a shop window, often in bright, colourful packaging that can appeal to children,"

According to the Health Secretary, if striking NHS employees accept productivity and efficiency improvements, they might be in line for a sizable wage raise starting in April. Tomorrow, Steve Barclay will meet with union representatives to discuss the wage agreement for health employees for the following year. The government is under pressure to accept a... Continue Reading →