The chief executive of two hospitals has expressed his fears for the future of the NHS under the current political climate, as he prepares to retire.
Nick Hulme is the boss at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), which includes Ipswich and Colchester hospitals.
Mr Hulme said: “We are facing, I think, the most difficult time in health and care. I think there’s an existential threat to the future of the NHS. I genuinely believe that. And I’ve never said that before.”
He made the comments as he addressed other leading health officials at his last Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (SNEE ICB) meeting on Tuesday.