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The NHS was created by men for men, says Victoria Atkins

Health Secretary Victoria Atkins has said she still agrees with a comment she made earlier this year that 75 years ago the NHS was "made by men for men".

Speaking to the Political Thinking with Nick Robinson podcast, she said historically maternity care had not been given "quite the priority" that others parts of hospitals had.

"In what other part of the hospital would a patient be expected to go through what can be quite a painful episode to put it mildly... without pain relief?" she asked.

17 May 2024

Department of Health & Social Care

Victoria Atkins

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Defra Secretary Steve Reed and Victoria Atkins MP both stand at despatch boxes in the House of Commons

Victoria Atkins behaved 'abominably', deputy speaker says

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Greens tax plans 'fairly normal' by European standards - Ramsay

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Labour candidate says she's been blocked from standing

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