Government confirms £3.7 million for Sheffield A&E departments

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will receive an investment of £1.7 million from the Government's New Deal infrastructure acceleration fund. Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust will received £2 million from the same fund.

The money is expected to be used to expand waiting areas and increase the number of treatment cubicles, helping to boost A&E capacity by providing additional space, reducing overcrowding and improving infection control measures.

This is in addition to a £3 billion national programme to prepare for the usual winter pressures that the NHS will face alongside COVID-19 this year.

Commenting on the Prime Minister's announcement, Miriam Cates, the MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said: "The NHS has done a fantastic job during this pandemic in some of the most difficult circumstances. Their care and dedication has been exemplary, and the Government is committed to ensuring that the NHS has the resources it needs to cope with the additional pressures that winter will bring.

"By targeting investment in patient services we have been able to protect the NHS from being overwhelmed by the coronavirus.

"This money will continue that task, and make sure that we are in the best possible position ready for the winter. Investing in hospitals and levelling up the services available here in Sheffield is an important part of our long term plan to fund the NHS and make sure that it can continue to deliver fantastic treatment to everyone who needs it."

PM Boris Johnson has also urged people 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.

Visit www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-confirms-funding-to-prepare-the-nhs-for-winter

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