£110 million funding for Essex hospitals to improve patient care
The boost is coming from the Department of Health and Social Care
Funding has been approved for hospitals across Mid and South Essex to help improve facilities.
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust's £110 million funding from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) will go to its hospitals in Southend, Basildon and Broomfield, which the trust say will help them become "fit for the future".
The number of beds will be increased, improvements will be made to capacity in all emergency departments, as well as using the money to improve cancer and planned care by upgrading and expanding surgical theatres.
Initially, £40 million will be given to the Trust between now and March 2025, to carry out "critical preparation works, and the rest of the money will be delivered in 2025.
It's hoped other improvements will be delivered in 2024 and into 2025.
Matthew Hopkins, Chief Executive at the Trust, said:
“This funding is great news for our patients and staff. Patients will get better quality care and it helps us meet the ever-increasing demands on hospital services.
“Finally, the hard work can begin to improve the patient experience of everyone who uses our hospitals.”
Anthony McKeever, Chief Executive of the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board, said:
“We welcome this announcement and look forward to working together to optimise the benefits of this funding for our patients, residents and our workforce across mid and south Essex.”
Local MP's, Anna Firth, Vicky Ford, Sir James Duddridge KCMG, Mark Francois and Kemi Badenoch have all welcomed the funding.