Furious Susanna Reid confronts Health Minister Steve Barclay over urgent medical attention and NHS strikes: ‘It’s unacceptable’

Susanna Reid passionately addressed her concerns to Health Secretary Steve Barclay over the ongoing NHS strikes.

It’s been reported that 25,000 ambulance workers across England and Wales are striking today in protest to the government over pay, with many fearing some patients will be forced to make their own way to the hospital.

Mr Barclay recently vowed immediate action to reduce pressure, including A&E temporary buildings that could be built in hospital car parks and 7,000 beds in ‘virtual wards’ that would allow patients to be treated at home.

During Wednesday’s Good Morning Britain, Reid and co-host Richard Madeley challenged the latest guidance given to patients.

‘If someone was having a stroke right now, you’re basically saying that you cannot guarantee that an ambulance would come out in the time necessary to save that life,’ she said.

Mr Barclay responded: ‘We’re saying people should phone 999 where there is a genuine life-threatening incident.

The hosts discussed the NHS strikes taking place (Picture: ITV)

Roughly 25,000 ambulance workers are striking today (Picture:Getty Images)

‘We’ve been working with the trade unions in terms of what cover they will provide…’

A frustrated Reid fired back: ‘Mr Barclay I’m sorry but what is the answer to the question? Can you guarantee if someone I know has a stroke today, that if I call 999 an ambulance will arrive?’

The Health Secretary insisted ‘contingency measures’ have been put in place for such emergencies.

When asked if the government had come to an agreement on whether ‘strokes would be covered,’ Mr Barclay said that it’s currently the main focus.

Challenging his points further, Reid asked: ‘So basically someone has to diagnose themselves or during the call that it is a stroke or a heart attack?’

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‘Well this is why we don’t think the arrangement we have in place is acceptable,’ Mr Barclay replied.

‘How are you as Health Secretary able to say that,’ Reid fumed.

‘It is unacceptable, and to be honest it’s unacceptable on a normal day, we can’t even guarantee that an ambulance is going to come out for a stroke today, on a strike day, but the target time for emergency calls in the case of a stroke is 18 minutes.’

She continued: ‘This has not been met nationwide for almost three years. This isn’t just a problem today, part of the reason the workers are on strike today is because they cannot get out in time to save people’s lives.’

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.

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‘It’s unacceptable on a normal day.’