Emma Reynolds: Tories 'record of failure' has plunged NHS into crisis

The Labour MP said the Tories decision to cut training posts seven years ago had resulted in a chronic staff shortage in the NHS, with 100,000 vacancies including 40,000 nurses and 10,000 doctors.

She also said a recent pledge from the Prime Minister to boost NHS funding by £20bn was 'too little, too late' and would not address the growing crisis in social care.

Speaking on the 70th anniversary of the NHS, Wolverhampton North East MP Ms Reynolds told the Express & Star: “Doctors and nurses are working their fingers to the bone in the face of unprecedented pressure due to lack of funding but also a shortage of staff.

"This Tory government has exacerbated the problem by cutting training posts in the NHS seven years ago and now we are seeing the results.

“As a result the NHS is in crisis. Waiting lists now stand at 4.1 million and 2.5 million patients waited longer than four hours in A&E last year.

"Last year, 80,000 elective operations were cancelled.

"Mental health services have also been hurt with 15 per cent of mental health nursing posts cut and 5,000 fewer mental health beds since 2010.

“Although I welcome the extra funding announced recently by the Government, it is too little, too late and it does nothing to address the growing crisis in social care caused by this Government’s eye watering cuts to local council budgets.

"This means that there are fewer beds in care homes and that those who need them cannot be safely discharged from hospital."

Ms Reynolds said the NHS needs 'a comprehensive funding settlement that covers both health and social care', which she insist 'only a Labour government will provide'.

Theresa May has said extra funding for the NHS will come from a 'Brexit dividend', while she also suggested tax rises could be brought in.

Reports have suggested the Government is considering raising alcohol and fuel duties to fund the move.