The government is investing almost £140m in 14 new urgent care schemes across England as the NHS prepares for a difficult winter following its busiest summer on record.
Announced on 18 October, the funding will deliver new urgent treatment centres (UTCs), same day emergency care services (SDECs), new ambulance fleets and emergency department upgrades significantly increasing frontline capacity.
It comes on top of 25 new or expanded urgent care sites announced in April that will be open in time for winter.
Ministers said the investment follows a summer of record activity and extreme heat, with winter pressures from flu and norovirus expected to add to demand. Planning for winter began in July.
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.
The £140m is part of a wider £2bn investment in urgent care capital projects up to 2030, aimed at improving facilities and delivering care closer to home. That is in addition to £1.5bn already confirmed to tackle urgent maintenance backlogs 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.
Alongside extra capacity, the government is expanding Pharmacy First so more common conditions can be treated at local pharmacies, and increasing GP access with more evening, weekend and out-of-hours appointments.
More community pharmacies are offering the flu jab this year, with eligibility widened to include more vulnerable groups including people experiencing homelessness. The NHS has also introduced new digital tools to make booking easier for parents, schools and vaccination teams.
Over 7.4 million flu jabs had been delivered in England by 11 October, with more children vaccinated so far this year than last.
Sir Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive of the NHS Alliance, said: This is a welcome investment to strengthen NHS urgent and emergency care and frontline capacity.
With demand 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.
The government is urging all eligible people to book their flu jab and other winter vaccines — described as the single best way to protect themselves and reduce pressure on the NHS.
