Prime Minister Boris Johnson has today (11/08) announced Milton Keynes University Hospital will receive the funding to upgrade A&E facilities to prepare the NHS for winter.
£300 million has been allocated to share across 117 NHS Trusts across the country to upgrade their facilities ahead of winter in preparation for the risk of further coronavirus outbreaks.
Hospitals could use the funding to expand waiting areas, increase the number of treatment cubicles, provide additional same day emergency care and improve patient flow in the hospital. This will in turn aid A&E capacity by providing additional space, improving infection control measures and helping the NHS respond to winter pressures amongst the risk of further outbreaks of coronavirus.
Iain Stewart MP and Ben Everitt MP have welcomed the news that Milton Keynes University Hospital Foundation Trust is set to receive an additional £1,578,000 in order to support A&E capacity ahead of the winter months.
Commenting, Iain Stewart MP said:
“This further Government investment into our hospital is sensible forward planning to help us cope with any increases in demand over the winter months when seasonal cases tend to be higher.”
Ben Everitt, MP for Milton Keynes North says,
"All the staff at Milton Keynes University Hospital have been absolutely amazing during the global pandemic. This new additional funding will help prepare the hospital for winter and the risk from further outbreaks of coronavirus."
Prime Minister Boris 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.”
Projects will be completed by the start of 2021, so that hospitals can benefit from the upgrades during the peak of winter.
The PM is urging the public to feel confident visiting A&E for treatments needed and reassured that social distancing and hygiene measures are in place to protect patients.
To further support A&Es this winter, anyone with a non-emergency care need is urged to contact 111 (online or by phone) or their GP first.
Further details on the funding and a full list of regional allocations can be found here.
