NHS staff, trade unionists and campaigners have staged a protest outside a posh London club where Tories were celebrating the 75th anniversary of the NHS.

The Conservative Friends of the NHS (CFONHS) wined and dined at the Carlton Club for £130 a head on Wednesday night in the midst of industrial action by nurses and doctors.

Demonstrators outside included Keep Our NHS Public co-chairman Dr Tony O’Sullivan, who is a retired consultant paediatrician.

He said: “This is a gratuitous insult to all NHS staff and patients desperate for support for the service.

“We are calling these people out as failed and cynical politicians who must move aside.” 

CFONHS describes itself as “a group of doctors, paramedics, nurses, allied health professionals and other healthcare workers who support the Conservative Party.” 

Unite national lead officer Onay Kasab said: “Unite NHS members are being forced to use foodbanks set up at their own hospitals and this lot decided to celebrate with a slap-up meal. It’s insulting.

“The Tories are congratulating themselves even though, under their watch, they have left the NHS on the brink of collapse. 

“NHS staff need paying properly or chronic staffing shortages will increase and the service will continue to deteriorate.”