David Cameron will lay out plans to create a “seven-day” NHS service today – but has been warned that nurses could walk out if their pay and conditions are affected.
The Prime Minister will commit to boosting NHS funding by at least £8bn a year by 2020 when he makes his first major speech since the General Election.
But Royal College of Nursing (RCN) chief executive Dr Peter Carter said “any attacks on unsocial hours, weekend working payments would be strongly resisted” and could lead to industrial action reports Sky News.
Speaking to Sky News health secretary Jeremy Hunt hit back, saying: “It is ridiculous, jumping the gun. We have not made any proposals about nurses terms and conditions.”
The Prime Minister will speak at a GP surgery in the West Midlands, where he is expected to reassure the public that the NHS is “safe in our hands”.
Mr Cameron has also committed to creating a “truly seven-day NHS” by extending GP opening hours.
“There is nothing that embodies the spirit of One Nation coming together – nothing that working people depend on more – than the NHS,” Mr Cameron is expected to say.
“Our commitment is to free healthcare for everyone – wherever you are and whenever you need it.