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Hunt: 'Unprecedented demand' on NHS after A&E visits surge

Visits to some A&E departments are up 30% on last year leaving an "unprecedented demand" on hospitals, Jeremy Hunt has revealed.

The Health Secretary also told the House of Commons that the NHS is "committed" to a four-hour waiting time in A&E - but can only guarantee this to those requiring urgent medical care.

Earlier, Mr Hunt denied the NHS is facing a humanitarian crisis, saying "very serious problems" had been limited to "one or two hospitals".

The crisis description from the Red Cross came as two patients died last week in the same A&E department after awaiting treatment on trolleys, with one waiting for 35 hours.

Labour said Mr Hunt is living in "la la land," and urged him to admit the NHS is in a state of "crisis."

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Funding squeeze has caused 'staggering' NHS failures

Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth said the Government was responsible for the failures in winter care in the NHS.

Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth has said the "biggest financial squeeze" in NHS history had caused "staggering" failures in care.

We've had several hospitals warned they're not able to provide comprehensive care. This is just staggering for 21st century Britain.

And it's because the NHS is going through the biggest financial squeeze in its history. Indeed by next year, money head-for-head will be cut in the NHS.

I really think the Government have got to get their priorities right and get a grip of this situation and do it urgently.

– Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth

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