NHS to see £700m investment from the government

Hospitals across the country receive a share of £700m to expand wards, install modular operating theatres, upgrade outpatient spaces and MRI and screening technology.

The funding, to be split across all regions in England, will help reduce waiting times for patients by expanding the number of operating theatres and beds, including new day surgery units to prevent people staying overnight and investment in technology to improve their experiences of care and help them manage their conditions.

Today’s investment is part of the £5.4bn already announced to support the NHS response to the pandemic in the second half of the year. In total, the government is investing over £34bn of additional funding in health and social care services this year.

The allocations for the £700m announced today include £330m for upgrading NHS facilities, £250m for new technology and £120m for any supporting revenue costs.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid said: “Ahead of what is going to be a difficult winter, we’re putting everything behind our health and care services, so everyone can access the services they need, when they need them.

“Our £700m investment will help more people get treated over the coming months by upgrading wards, operating theatres, and diagnostic kit.

“We’re taking unprecedented steps to keep people healthy this winter, putting the booster roll-out on steroids, and delivering the largest flu vaccine programme in UK history.We can all play our part in the national mission – when you get the call, please get the jab.”

In total, 785 schemes have been approved, including £7.1m to build a modular ward at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital with 32 beds.