Heidi Alexander MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, commenting on the CQC report on hospital short-staffing, said:

“David Cameron cannot keep ignoring these serious warnings about understaffed hospitals.

“On his watch, nurse numbers haven’t kept pace with demand, and nurse training places have been cut. This has left hospitals dangerously understaffed and has put patient safety at risk.

“With winter approaching the Tory Government has put the NHS in a precarious position. Hospital bosses all over the country now face a stark choice between balancing the books and delivering safe care.”