Lancashire and South Cumbria hospitals receive £10.2m to prepare for winter

As winter approaches and further coronavirus outbreaks are anticipated, the NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria have been allocated a share of new government funding to upgrade urgent and emergency care facilities.

On 10 August, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that more than 100 Trusts across the country will be allocated a share of £300m to upgrade facilities ahead of winter.

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust will receive a total of £10.2m to improve facilities and services for local people.

Kevin McGee, Chief Executive of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, speaking on behalf of hospitals in Lancashire and South Cumbria, said:

“Throughout the pandemic, the NHS has been here for you and emergency departments have remained open. If you do have to go to hospital, please be assured that it is as safe as possible - NHS staff are following strict social distancing and hygiene measures to allow people to access care safely. Please do not hesitate to access emergency treatment if you need it.

Winter is always a busy time, and with the added pressures of COVID-19, this funding will help us to continue to deliver safe and quality care in this new normal and meet the future needs of people in Lancashire and South Cumbria.”

If you need advice but it is not an emergency, it is best to first contact NHS 111 online or call NHS 111 or contact your GP. As in most other public buildings, face coverings should be worn at all times inside hospitals, GP practices and pharmacies unless you are exempt from wearing one.