Brown: Scandal Of NHS Heroes Forced To Use Foodbanks

Former Labour leader says the best way to thank nurses is to increase their pay

- Vivienne Aitken

FORMER prime minister Gordon Brown yesterday hit out over low pay for nurses - saying many NHS heroes are forced to use foodbanks.

Speaking at the Royal College of Nursing's annual conference in Glasgow, Brown said: "Two years ago the George Cross was rightly awarded to the National Health Service but sadly the award to individual nurses was below-inflation] pay rises.

"Last week Platinum Jubilee medals were awarded to the armed forces and emergency services.

"I'd like to nominate each and every one of you for a Platinum Jubilee medal but instead of nurses lining up for the medals you should be, sadly too many nurses today are lining up at foodbanks.