'If there's money for bigger banker bonuses then it's there for nurses - we need it NOW'

I owe my life to the skill and ­dedication of the doctors, nurses and support staff of Leeds General Infirmary.

Without their 10-hour, all-night operation for an aortic dissection six months ago on this date, I’d have died.

Apart from the surgeon, Mr Papaspyros, I don’t even know their names. I was away with the fairies much of the time, in intensive care.