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Hunt denies trying to cover up rise in A&E waiting times

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt was forced to deny he is trying to cover up a rise in A&E waiting times after the government said they would delay releasing figures over the Christmas break. Labour accused the government of a 'media blackout', but they insisted it was to allow NHS staff to have time off over the holidays.

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A&E 'already under strain' from increased winter demand

Accident & Emergency services are already under strain from increased winter demand, the medical director of NHS England has admitted.

"A&Es are having to address increasing demand, the ambulance services are struggling in many parts of the country and we have a number of issues to deal with, which we are tackling," Sir Bruce Keogh said.

Medical director of NHS England Sir Bruce Keogh addressed a conference in London. Credit: Joe Giddens/PA Wire

Sir Bruce said forward planning meant the NHS should cope better with a spike in demand for Accident & Emergency services this winter.

"We've started to address winter much sooner than in any of the other years," he added.

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