My commitment to the NHS is personal, says new Health Secretary

The new Health and Social Care Secretary has spoken openly about his love for the NHS, which saved his sister's life after a horse riding accident.

In his first speech since being appointed to the role, Matt Hancock said his commitment to the health service was not just professional but "deeply personal", after it helped his family through the emotional time.

Speaking publicly about his sister's accident for the first time, Mr Hancock said: "I have never had a moment where somebody so close has been at a risk of dying."

Professional rider Emily Gilruth, 41, was in a coma for four days after she fell and hit her head while competing at Badminton Horse Trials in May last year, at the same time her brother was campaigning for his seat in the general election.

Addressing staff at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds on Friday, Mr Hancock said: "I have always valued the NHS but it was really brought home to me last year when the NHS was there for us at one of our toughest moments as a family.

"Last summer my sister sustained a very severe head injury, it was touch and go, and her life was saved by the intensive care unit at Bristol's Southmead Hospital, where she stayed for a week, most of it in a coma.

"Thanks to their care she has now recovered."

He added: "I love my sister and the NHS saved her life, so when I say I love the NHS, I really mean it.

"My commitment to the health service and the fundamental principles that underpin it is not just professional, it is deeply personal."

Mr Hancock, who was standing for re-election in West Suffolk, revealed he spent hours in the waiting room at the hospital and heard first-hand from staff about their experiences working within the health service.

"It was a very traumatic time for us all as you can imagine," he said.

"It was in the middle of the 2017 general election campaign, so I was not having a very good time.

"She was cared for by the intensive care unit who kept her alive, and then helped her recover.

"There are so many families in the country who, like me, have had the NHS come to their aid at their most difficult times."