The £700 million investment will aim to tackle the current backlog and improve patient care during the winter months.
The funding will be split amongst 187 hospital trusts across England and will expand wards, install modular operating theatres, upgrade outpatient spaces, and improve MRI screening technology.
Here is how the funding will be split across the regions:
- £112 million for the North East and Yorkshire
- £97 million for the North West
- £131 million for the Midlands
- £78 million for the East of England
- £105 million for the South East
- £69 million for the South West
- £109 million for London
Additional day surgery units to reduce patient overnight stays as well as modular theatres and surgical hubs will also benefit from the funding.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid said:
“Ahead of what is going to be a difficult winter, we’re putting everything behind our health and care services, so everyone can access the services they need, when they need them.
“Our £700 million investment will help more people get treated over the coming months by upgrading wards, operating theatres, and diagnostic kit.
“We’re taking unprecedented steps to keep people healthy this winter, putting the booster roll-out on steroids, and delivering the largest flu vaccine programme in UK history.
“We can all play our part in the national mission – when you get the call, please get the jab.”
A list of the approved schemes that will receive funding includes:
- £13.8 million for new wards at University Hospitals Birmingham, delivering an expected 164 additional adult inpatient beds across the trust
- £14.4 million at St George’s Hospitals to deliver a new modular facility providing 20 intensive treatment unit beds
- £10.2 million to develop a new South Mersey Elective Hub, with 2 new theatres and recovery areas
- £10 million for a day surgery site in Castle Hill Hospital in Hull, which will house 4 theatres, as well as all supporting services
- £7.1 million to build a modular ward at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital with 32 beds
- £5.9 million at Bedford Hospital to create 20 flexible multi-purpose outpatient rooms
Prof Stephen Powis, NHS National Medical Director, said:
“NHS staff have pulled out all the stops since the beginning of the pandemic treating more than half a million covid patients, while continuing to perform millions of checks, tests and treatments for non-covid reasons.
“There is no doubt that this winter is going to be tough with staff contending with the highest ever number of 999 calls in October and it remains as important as ever that people do not delay seeking help from the NHS if they feel unwell.
“So anyone needing help should come forward through NHS 111 online so that staff can help you with the best option for your care, and the NHS is accelerating our COVID booster campaign so please accept your invite when asked, as well taking up the offer of a flu jab to protect you this winter.”
The government will be setting out a plan to address the challenges for the NHS and social care this winter later today.
