£4.7m Government investment to strengthen local NHS urgent care for local residents this winter
Leigh MP Jo Platt explains the importance of a major new government windfall for Wigan’s hospital as the traditionally tough winter months approach
The announcement of £4.7m in new government funding will support a new urgent care facility at Wigan Infirmary, improving same day emergency care services and helping local patients access the treatment they need more efficiently.
As we approach the winter months, it is vital that our health service has the capacity, facilities and support it needs to deliver timely, safe and effective care.
This investment is an important step towards improving urgent and emergency care across the borough and ensure our NHS staff have the support and resource they need to deliver high-quality care.
New diagnostic services will also help patients receive assessments and treatment more efficiently, allowing them to return home on the same day where appropriate.
For patients, this should mean a more streamlined experience, quicker access to the care they need and fewer unnecessary hospital stays.
This investment forms part of almost £140m in government funding for 14 urgent care schemes across England.
Alongside these projects, a further 25 sites are set to open or expand this winter, increasing frontline care capacity, same day emergency care services, ambulance provision and emergency department improvements.
This comes at a crucial time. Our NHS has faced record levels of activity and the additional challenges of extreme summer temperatures. As winter approaches, seasonal illnesses are expected to add further demand to hospitals and other health services.
I am pleased to see the Government preparing early by investing in facilities, supporting frontline staff and improving access to care for residents across Leigh, Atherton and the wider borough, ensuring people can receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
The government has also committed almost £2bn to urgent care capital projects through to 2030, alongside £1.5bn confirmed to improving facilities across the NHS estate.
However, improving urgent care is not just about hospitals. Community services are equally as important.
Expanded Pharmacy First provision is helping people access support for a wider range of common conditions through their local pharmacy, while improved GP access, including evening and weekend appointments, can help patients get more timely advice and treatment.
Equally, we must continue to focus on prevention. I would encourage everyone across Leigh and Atherton who is eligible to take up their winter vaccinations, including the flu vaccine.
Vaccination helps protect individuals, their families and the most vulnerable members of our community, while helping to reduce pressure on NHS services.
The £4.7m for Wigan Infirmary is a positive announcement and a welcome recognition of the importance of strengthening local urgent care.
I know how important timely access to care is for residents, which is why reducing waiting times, improving coordination between services and ensuring people can access the care they need closer to home must remain priorities.
I therefore welcome the combined investment in our NHS, which will help prepare services for the winter months ahead, improve access to care for local people and ensure our dedicated NHS staff have the support and resources they need to deliver the best possible care.