Atherstone MP Craig Tracey welcomes £3m boost as George Eliot Hospital faces 'challenge of winter'

LOCAL TRUST TO BE ALLOCATED SHARE OF £300m TO PREPARE NHS FOR WHAT LIES AHEAD FROM COVID-19 AND FLU SEASON

UPGRADE FUNDING CAN BE USED FOR EXPANSION OF WAITING AREAS, INCREASING NUMBER OF TREATEMENT CUBICLES, BOOST A&E CAPACITY AND IMPROVE INFECTION CONTROL MEASURES

ATHERSTONE MP Craig Tracey has welcomed news George Eliot Hospital is to receive £3 million funding to boost accident and emergency capacity this winter.

The North Warwickshire MP said the award, due to be announced by Boris Johnson later today, will help the area's lifeline facility prepare for what is certain to be the most challenging of periods with fears of a second coronavirus wave and the onset of the general flu season.

It is all part of a total of £300m being delivered across the country to 117 hospital trusts in a record investment in NHS infrastructure.

The Prime Minister will also urge the public to feel confident to visit A&E for the treatment they need, reassuring those who remain concerned that strict social distancing and hygiene measures are in place to protect patients.

Mr Tracey said: "It's great news that the Government has announced this morning it has awarded the George Eliot a £3m capital grant to support its A & E capacity this winter."

Hospitals will be able to 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.

Projects will be completed by the start of next year so hospitals benefit from the upgrades during the peak of winter.

Mr Johnson said: "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."

Last month, the PM confirmed an additional £3 billion of funding to the NHS in England to get ready for winter. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will also receive additional funds. This will allow the NHS to continue to use the extra hospital capacity acquired from the independent sector, maintain the Nightingale hospitals until the end of March and expand their flu vaccination programme.