Andrew Gwynne MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Minister, responding to the news that NHS regulators are to take control of health services in three entire regions of England where hospitals are failing, said:

“The Tories have caused huge problems on the frontline and hospitals are deteriorating on their watch. Two thirds of nurses say patients are missing out on basic care because of staff shortages, while the vast majority of NHS staff say David Cameron’s reorganisation has harmed patient care.

“The sad truth is that under the Conservatives care problems are becoming more likely, not less.”