RCN: A&E system 'under huge strain'

Levels of demand on NHS accident and emergency departments in England have been described as unsustainable by the head of the health service regulator.

Care Quality Commission chairman David Prior said there was no guarantee that another disaster like that at Stafford Hospital could not happen in future.

Hundreds of people are thought to have died after receiving poor care there.

Dr Peter Carter, chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing said problems with out-of-hours doctors services and other community care are leaving hospitals over-stretched.