The plight of the NHS was encapsulated during the last general election campaign by Sharon Storer, who confronted Prime Minister Tony Blair outside the hospital where her partner was being treated for cancer.

We have sought the experiences of other patients and reported their stories on this site, however it is not often that the candid views of health service workers are heard, as many of them fear for their jobs if they speak out.

PM spoke to a senior nurse, a health visitor, a hospital consultant and a GP, who told us how they felt about their roles, the demands made upon them and the changing nature of patients' expectations.

Their words are spoken by actors.

Click above to listen.