NHS handed £140million increase to ease winter pressures in pressing care
A further 25 new or expanded urgent care sites announced in April will now be open for winter, in what minister say will provide extra capacity on frontline capacity during the colder months
The NHS has been handed an £140million boost(Image: PA)
The NHS has been handed a £140million boost to urgent care to help ease winter pressures on the health service.
Announced today, the investment will go to 14 new urgent care schemes across England, including new urgent treatment centres (UTCs) and same day emergency care services (SDECs), new ambulance fleets, and emergency department upgrades.
A further 25 new or expanded urgent care sites announced in April will now be open for winter, in what minister say will provide extra capacity on frontline capacity during the colder months.
Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Winter will be more challenging for our NHS this year, after such a heavy summer. That’s why we have been preparing early and investing in extra urgent care capacity to help get patients the care they need.
“NHS staff worked incredibly hard to keep on top of the extra pressure this summer. Now we need to support them in delivering for patients through the winter season, so our NHS is there for all of us when we need it.”
After summer of record NHS activity and extreme heat, the health service is now facing harsh cold and norovirus, adding to the heavy workload over winter.
Alongside increasing urgent care capacity, the government has also expanded the Pharmacy First scheme, so people can get support with a wider range of common conditions at their local pharmacy, and enhanced GP access through evening, weekend and out-of-hours appointments.
In total, the government is investing almost £2billion in urgent care capital projects until 2030.
Dr Emma Rowland, NHS Executive Director for Performance and Delivery, said: “We know this winter will be tough for the NHS and we’re doing everything we can to reduce pressure on our emergency departments and make sure patients get the care they need, while protecting our staff.
“Investment in same-day emergency care and urgent treatment centres will help more patients get the right care in the right place, at the right time.
“Prevention is just as important, so if you’re eligible for a flu or other winter vaccination then please come forward and get protected.
“Vaccination helps protect you, your family, some of the most vulnerable people in our communities and, for those working in health and social care, the patients we care for.”
