EnglishEngland announces almost £140m for 14 urgent care schemes
The funding covers hospital upgrades, treatment facilities and ambulance capacity as the NHS prepares for winter demand.
Almost £140 million will support 14 urgent care schemes across England, the government announced on 18 October. The package includes hospital improvements, treatment centres and ambulance capacity ahead of winter pressures.
Where the money is directed
Queen’s Hospital in Romford is allocated £42.1 million for an A&E redesign. East Midlands Ambulance Service receives £6.35 million for 40 additional double-crewed ambulances. Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre is allocated £12.9 million for a same-day emergency care facility.
Two groups of projects
The announcement also refers to 25 new or expanded sites announced in April. These are separate from the 14 schemes receiving the latest funding. The published schedule lists a mixture of open services and expected openings, including some in January 2027; it does not mean all are operating now.
Delivery remains the test
The projects aim to improve patient flow and reduce pressure on emergency departments. Those are intended benefits, rather than evidence that waiting times have already fallen. Some allocations run over several years, so the funding announcement should not be read as a promise that every project will be finished this winter.
Sources
- £140 million boost to urgent care to ease winter pressures on NHS — Department of Health and Social Care / NHS England