The Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan is to receive £4.7 million for improved same-day emergency care facilities, as the NHS prepares for what it describes as one of its most challenging winters following its busiest summer on record.
The funding is part of almost £140 million announced by the government today (October 18) for 14 new urgent care schemes across England. It follows earlier winter investment announced in April for hospitals including Wigan Infirmary and Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport.
Facilities moved closer to A&E
The government says the same-day emergency care facilities at Wigan will be moved closer to A&E. New diagnostic services will help suitable patients access assessment and treatment more efficiently and return home the same day where appropriate, according to the government.
The new schemes announced across England also include urgent treatment centres, new ambulance fleets and emergency department upgrades. The government says this will provide a significant increase in frontline and urgent care capacity.
Record summer activity
The announcement comes as the NHS saw record activity in a summer of extreme heat. With seasonal illnesses, including flu and norovirus, adding to the heavy workload over winter, the NHS has been preparing since July to meet patients' needs and protect patient safety.
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.”
Additional funding and services
A further 25 new or expanded urgent care sites announced in April will also be open for winter, providing additional frontline capacity. In total, the government is investing almost £2 billion in urgent care capital projects until 2030, on top of a £1.5 billion investment confirmed so far for projects to address urgent maintenance problems across the NHS estate.
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.”
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. It is also promising enhanced GP access through evening, weekend and out-of-hours appointments during the colder months, while more community pharmacies are offering the flu jab this year.
Sir Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive of the NHS Alliance, added: “This is a welcome investment to strengthen NHS urgent and emergency care and frontline capacity. NHS leaders and their teams continue to work hard to provide high-quality, timely care as services prepare for the winter months. With demand on NHS services remaining high, the priority needs to be easing pressure on hospitals, improving patient flow and supporting more people to receive care closer to home or return home sooner.”
