Anthony has welcomed the news that Addenbrooke’s hospital will today (August 11) be allocated a share of £300 million to upgrade their facilities ahead of winter.
The Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who deliver care through Addenbrooke’s and The Rosie Hospitals, are set to benefit from an additional £875,000.
This could be used 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.
The Prime Minister will confirm the extra funding later today and 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.
Projects will be completed by the start of next year so hospitals benefit from the upgrades during the peak of winter. Last year the PM also confirmed 20 hospitals will receive a share of £850 million to upgrade outdated facilities and equipment.
Anthony Browne MP commented: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome this major investment in Addenbrooke’s.
“Not only will this provide reassure that the NHS can continue to deliver an exceptional level of care, but also ensure a safe and supportive patient experience, helping to deliver first class care to those who need it most.
“Continuing to champion investment our local health services remains a priority for me as South Cambridgeshire continues to grow.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “We continue to deliver on our promise to build back better and faster, with £300 million allocated today for NHS trusts to upgrade their facilities and improve A&E capacity. “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.”
Health Minister Edward Argar said: “Our NHS did an amazing job to ensure emergency care continued to be available for everyone who needed it during the peak of this pandemic. Today, we are announcing the details of the Trusts across the country who will receive a share of £300 million to upgrade their A&Es and support emergency care to help them to continue to deliver safe and accessible services throughout the normally busy winter period.
"This funding is part of our record investment in NHS infrastructure to ensure our health services continue to meet the needs of the present and to be fit for future demands placed upon it.”