Anne asked a PMQ and because the Prime Minister is at the G8, the deputy leader, Harriet Harman MP, replied.

Anne said: Will my Rt Hon Friend join me in thanking the hard working staff of the Great Western Hospital in Swindon, who have used extra funding from the Government to cut C. difficile cases to well under target. And will she ensure that the Matrons around the country have the resources to keep the NHS sparkling in its 60^th year?

Harriet replied: I congratulate the staff at the Great Western Hospital and throughout the health service in tackling hospital acquired infections, it’s important work. And I think it’s an opportunity at the time of the 60^th anniversary of the NHS to pay tribute to the entire staff team of the health service who kept it going even when it was under resourced and struggling. And to pay tribute too, to their work under the leadership of Ara Darzi, 2000 clinicians have been involved in shaping a consultation paper for the way forward and I hope that all staff in the NHS, not only can we thank them for their work but also invite them to help shape the way forward for the NHS.