Last week the Secretary of State for Health announced a second wave of funding to ease pressure on hospital emergency departments ahead of next winter.
A further £20.74 million has been awarded to 27 hospitals in England, which follows an initial £55.98 million given to 70 hospitals in April. This money is part of the dedicated funding announced in the Spring Budget to ensure local A&Es are prepared for the additional demands that winter brings.
I am especially pleased that the Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust will receive £750,000, which will mean the hospital can get prepared for winter early and be properly equipped to give the best care.
That includes patients being assessed by a clinician when they arrive in A&E so they can access the best and most appropriate care for their needs. It will also mean that hospitals being able to build GP practices within the A&E where those with less urgent needs can receive treatment, helping to alleviate pressure.
As the Secretary of State said when he visited the hospital with me recently, “St Helier Hospital is here to stay, but we do need a plan for improving the facilities and the services on which local people rely”. This investment is just part of this plan, and as I promised during the election, I will continue to work with the local NHS to ensure it gets the investment and improvements it needs.