Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith is facing calls from Nurses that he should apologise for criticising their profession in the controversy over the NHS treatment of 94-year-old Rose Addis, according to an internet poll. A poll run on the Nursing Times' website found 93 per cent of just over 400 readers who responded said Mr Duncan Smith should apologise for his comments.

Forum Response: Royal College of Nursing

Maura Buchanan, chair of congress at the Royal College of Nursing's council, told ePolitix.com: "I was disgusted with Mr Duncan Smith's comments. We cannot be pulverised every time a politician wants to play football with the NHS."

Forum Response: Unison

A spokesperson for Unison told ePolitix.com: "It is hardly surprising that nurses should be asking Iain Duncan Smith for an apology. It is disgusting the way that the Tories used them as a political football last week, without even checking their facts.

"Flinging wild accusations about is extremely demoralising for hardworking staff and undermines patient' confidence. It does not paint a true picture of most peoples' experience of the NHS."