Almost £140 million is being invested in 14 new urgent care schemes across England, the government announced today, 18 October. This funding aims to increase frontline and urgent care capacity as the NHS prepares for winter.
The schemes include new urgent treatment centres (UTCs), same day emergency care services (SDECs), new ambulance fleets, and emergency department upgrades. Additionally, 25 new or expanded urgent care sites, previously announced in April, are set to open in time for winter.
Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that the investment in extra urgent care capacity will help patients get the care they need after a busy summer for the NHS. Dr Emma Rowland, NHS Executive Director for Performance and Delivery, highlighted that investment in same-day emergency care and urgent treatment centres will help patients receive appropriate care.
The government is also encouraging the public to get their flu jabs and other eligible vaccinations. Over 7.4 million flu vaccinations had been delivered in England by 11 October, with more children vaccinated this year compared to last.