Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt MP has apologised to patients whose appointments have been cancelled, as the NHS gives priority to emergency care and time-critical operations during a busy New Year period. Mr Hunt said that the health service is "better prepared" this year than in previous winters, but that it is important to recognise the current challenges and cope with them in a "planned, methodical way." Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn