Very good news for local hospitals announced by the government this week.
Two hospitals used by Buckingham constituency residents are getting a significant boost ahead of this winter. Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust is receiving £10.58 million which will be used for a new 25 bed unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital; and Milton Keynes University Hospital is getting an additional 22-bed ward and extra clinical space.
This is part of a £250 million spend that will deliver 900 new hospital beds across England to help treat patients more quickly this winter. The Government have awarded this funding to NHS trusts to relieve pressures and help cut waiting times – one of the Government’s top five priorities.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Cutting waiting lists is one of my top five priorities, so this year the government has started planning for winter earlier than ever before and the public can be reassured we are backing the NHS with the resources it needs.
“These 900 new beds will mean more people can be treated quickly, speeding up flow through hospitals and reducing frustratingly long waits for treatment.”
Health and Social Care Secretary, Steve Barclay said: “We know that winter is a difficult time so we’re working to get ahead of pressures whilst also creating a sustainable NHS fit for the future. That's why we're investing this £250 million to support NHS capacity and deliver 900 new beds, as part of our drive to put in place 5,000 permanent additional beds.
“Creating additional hospital capacity will support staff to provide the best possible care and treat patients more quickly, helping us to improve waiting times - one of the government’s top five priorities.”
Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive said: “Winter is always a busy time for the NHS and so it is right that we put robust plans in place as early as possible to boost capacity and help frontline staff to prepare for additional pressure.
“Our winter plans, which build on the progress already made on our urgent and emergency care recovery plan, aim to reduce waiting times for patients and to transform services with an expansion of same day care and virtual wards, helping patients to be cared for in their own home where possible.”
Health Minister Will Quince said: “Our Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery Plan, backed by record funding, has already improved A&E performance and ambulance response times and we want to go further by putting in place the right solutions so the NHS can better cope with challenges this winter.
“We will continue to work with integrated care systems to make sure the plan is delivering for patients this winter and beyond.”
