117 trusts to share £300 million revealed

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced the 117 NHS trusts allocated a share of £300 million to upgrade A&E facilities, to help the NHS prepare for winter and the risk from further outbreaks of coronavirus.

Hospitals can use the new funding to expand waiting areas and increase the number of treatment cubicles, helping them boost A&E capacity by providing additional space, reducing overcrowding and improving infection control measures. They could also increase the provision of same day emergency care and improve patient flow in the hospital to help the NHS respond to winter pressures and the risk from further outbreaks of coronavirus.

This funding forms part of an already announced extra £1.5 billion capital funding. Last month, the Prime Minister confirmed an additional £3 billion of funding to the NHS in England to get ready for winter.

Projects will be completed by the start of next year so hospitals benefit from the upgrades during the peak of winter. Last year the Prime Minister also confirmed 20 hospitals will receive a share of £850 million to upgrade outdated facilities and equipment.

Johnson said: “We continue to deliver on our promise to build back better and faster, with £300 million allocated today for NHS trusts to upgrade their facilities and improve A&E capacity. These upgrades will help our fantastic NHS prepare for the winter months, helping them to deliver essential services and reduce the risk of coronavirus infections.

“Thanks to the hard work and tireless efforts of NHS staff throughout the pandemic, our A&Es have remained open for the public. It’s vital that those who need emergency treatment this winter access it, and for those who remain concerned about visiting hospitals, let me assure you that the NHS has measures in place to keep people safe.”

Regionally, the £299,723 allocation will benefit: the North East And Yorkshire (£53,760); the Midlands (£50,067); London (£49,633); the North West (£46,100); the South East (£44,163); the East (£28,800); and the South West (£27,400).

The trusts receiving the most funding are: University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (£9,000); University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (£6,997); Barts Health NHS Trust (£6,410); Epsom And St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust (£6,100); and Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (£6,054).