'Hospital patients must never be hidden away to disguise Britain’s A&E crisis'

Detailed summary

Pam Smith, who has stage four cancer, was told there were no beds available when she was taken to Royal Gwent Hospital in south Wales suffering from a fever after undergoing chemotherapy

An 81-year-old woman with terminal cancer, forced to sleep on chairs in a hospital storeroom for 48 hours. Few stories expose the indignity of Britain’s A&E crisis more painfully.Pam Smith deserved compassion, comfort and a proper bed. Instead, she says she felt abandoned.Now MPs have heard disturbing allegations that hospitals are hiding patients on plastic chairs to keep them out of official corridor-care figures.If true, it is an appalling betrayal of patients already suffering enough.Labour deserves recognition for finally measuring corridor care after years of deterioration under the Conservatives.

Cancer changes lives in ways that can be difficult to explain, even long after treatment has ended.The Princess of Wales knows this only too well.Speaking movingly about her recovery, Kate has revealed how doctors warned her there would be good days and bad days, and that healing would take time.Her words will ring true for millions of families who know the fear, uncertainty and exhaustion that accompany a cancer diagnosis.And her description of nature as a sanctuary, giving peace without judgement or expectation, is moving.By sharing her experiences so openly, Kate offers comfort to others travelling that same difficult road.Her message is one of patience, resilience and hope.And a…

Most people are ready to put their feet up at 82. But binman John Wesbroom is rubbish at retiring. Up at 3.30am, he walks five miles daily collecting refuse. With energy like that, John has thrown away any hint of taking life easy.

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