Jamie Reed MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Minister, responding to reports that 300,000 patients were sent home from hospital in the middle of the night against NHS orders, said:

“Under David Cameron, hospital wards are full to bursting. These figures show that in a desperate attempt to relieve the pressure, patients are facing this indignity.

"David Cameron has taken social care support away from older people. Record numbers are now being admitted to hospital through A&E and, once in hospital, they can’t be discharged because care isn’t available in their community.

"Hospitals are operating above safe levels. Ministers promised to put an end to this practice two years ago, but it’s getting worse. It’s further proof you can’t trust the Tories with the NHS.”