Leighton Hospital is to receive £9 million of Government funding to upgrade its A&E ahead of Winter. The monies will be used for the “reconfiguration and expansion of Emergency Care services
Crewe & Nantwich MP Dr Kieran Mullan welcomed the funding, and criticised local Labour party politicians who claimed Leighton had missed out;
“This week I was delighted to see that Leighton is set to receive an additional £9 million in order to support A&E capacity ahead of the winter months. The £9 million will be used to expand and upgrade A&E facilities at the hospital, ensuring they have enough space to treat patients, manage patient flow and improve infection control.
Leighton has been given this extra funding, after getting extra funding last year as well. But I know in the longer term we need investment in the whole site, and I have spoken directly to the Prime Minister about this and will be meeting the Health Secretary to start making the case”.
This funding is part of £150 million to be shared across 25 A&Es, with the money being used to expand waiting areas and increase the number of treatment cubicles. It is on top of the £300 million provided by the Government to upgrade A&Es announced last month (August) – taking the total investment in A&Es this winter to £450 million.
I am very pleased that the Government will be providing Leighton with funding to upgrade A&E services which will ensure that we are in the best possible position for the challenges that the winter months may bring.
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said:
“It was concerning to see unnecessary worry being generated about support for A&E services locally.
“At such a challenging time for the NHS,it should not be used as a political football.
“Kieran was in regular contact with my office about support for Leighton, something I know he will continue.”
Eddisbury MP Edward Timpson also welcomed the news of more funding.
He said: “Staff at both Leighton and Countess of Chester Hospitals have worked tirelessly over recent months, and I would like to thank them for everything they have done to get our local community through the coronavirus pandemic. While we hope for the best this winter, it’s right that we plan for the worst. This funding to upgrade A&E across the Trust will ensure that we are in the best possible position for the challenges that the winter months may bring.”
Extra funding will also see NHS invest £24 million into its 111 call handling service to boost capacity and increase number of clinicians on hand to provide advice and guidance.
A public communications campaign “Help Us Help You” will also launch later this year to direct people to the right NHS service.
NHS England is exploring whether improvements can be made to emergency care performance measures while the service meets the challenges of Covid-19.
