George: Save money on agency staff rather than freezing NHS pay.

West Cornwall MP, Andrew George, has commented on today’s four-hour strike by NHS workers, including nurses, midwives and ambulance staff.

Mr George, who is a member of the Commons Health Select Committee said, “The Government should implement the recommendations of the Independent Review Body it set up. The Secretary of State says the Government cannot afford to honour the 1% pay increase to all staff, but it continues to waste money on agency staff and the wasteful dogma of using private companies to deliver core NHS work.

“Providing that those on strike don’t take action which puts at risk patient care I support their action. They have no other option. The Government has refused to listen.”