Justin Madders MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Minister, responding to Philip Dunne MP’s remark that there are seats to sit on if beds aren’t available, said:

“This is an appalling and ignorant remark from a Minister entirely out of touch with the reality of the NHS winter crisis.

“Placing sick patients in chairs because of acute bed shortages is clearly not acceptable in the 21st Century. And yet with numerous Trusts this winter at times reporting 100 per cent bed occupancy, hospitals simply cannot cope and are being forced into these intolerable situations.

“Patients and staff are currently facing an unprecedented winter crisis. Instead of worrying about reshuffles, the Prime Minister must urgently sort this mess out.”