'Undignified and unsafe': Hospital patient had to wait more than 10 days for a bed

GPs welcome new contract allowing appointment changes

GPs have been reacting to the new contract set out by the government which allows patients to book more appointments online and end the "scramble for 8am slots". Dr Alison George, a GP in an A&E unit at Newcastle Hospital Trust, welcomed the changes, saying: "I think it is a positive announcement and it means we've got space to try and move things forward." Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Govt announces major reforms to NHS waiting lists

The Government has set out plans to divert up to two million patients from NHS waiting lists by the end of next year. Secondary Care Minister, Karin Smyth spoke about how the scheme which allows family doctors to seek advice from specialists before referring patients will be expanded with the support of an £80 million funding package. Report by Faragt. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn