Sign up to the Hull Live newsletter for daily updates and breaking news Sign up here! Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Labour's shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth says the future of the NHS is at stake in next week's general election.

On a visit to Hull Royal Infirmary, he pledged to reverse cuts and restore staff morale if Labour wins.

"Regardless of what some people are saying, this election is really about the future of the NHS because it is being cut to the bone by the Tories.

"We cannot afford another five years with the Tories in charge. I dread to think what the NHS would be like by 2022 if that was the case," he said.

Mr Ashworth met staff to hear their views on the current state of the health service.

Neil Brown, a portering supervisor at Hull Royal Infirmary, said: "I have worked here for the last 15 years. With things like the the one per cent pay freeze, we just don't feel valued anymore.

"The staff love the NHS but they are sick of privatisation and fear being outsourced. They know if that happens, their protected terms and conditions could disappear."

Mr Ashworth also hear from Janet Worth, a technician in the hospital's sterile services department.

She said: "The staff are proud to work here and want to stay but it is becoming increasingly difficult to imagine a future in the NHS."

Mr Ashworth also warned against complacency among Labour supporters in places like Hull where the party has traditionally enjoyed solid support over the years.

"There is no such thing as a safe Labour seat anymore. Funny things tend to happen in elections these days so we need to fight hard for every seat," he said.