NHS staff 'undermined' by crisis attacks - Dr Alan Rees

Recent criticism of Wales' NHS is "abhorrent" and "politically motivated," one of its most senior doctors has said.

Dr Alan Rees, vice president of the Royal College of Physicians in Wales, said the health service "has no need to apologise" for the care it provides.

But he has admitted specific problems need to be addressed.

Prime Minister David Cameron claimed patients in Wales get a "second-class" NHS - Welsh ministers say he is wrong.

Dr Rees's comments come as a report by the Royal College has said the NHS in Wales, like elsewhere, is "struggling to cope" with a number of urgent challenges.

He said patients should be at the centre of the changes needed - and more could be treated in the community.