Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock has today (Thursday 10th December 2020) announced the government is investing £600million to tackle crucial maintenance work in hospitals across England which will deliver immediate benefits.
As part of this latest funding package Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is getting £5.2million for 23 projects, including £2.5million for operating theatre improvements at Torbay Hospital.
Also receiving funding in Devon are University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (£3.9million for six projects), Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust (£2.8million for six projects), Devon Partnership NHS Trust (£800,000 for nine projects) and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust (£400,000 for 10 projects).
Across the South West £45.8million has been allocated for 199 maintenance projects across 21 Trusts. Devon is the biggest recipient in the region, with five trusts securing £13.2million for 54 projects.
Meanwhile, South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, which provides services in Devon and across the region, has been awarded £925,000 for eight projects.
The projects are under way and will be completed by March 2021.
They include new or refurbished buildings to deliver key services, replacing hospital lifts, upgrading electrical infrastructure, work to improve fire safety and enhancing ventilation systems.
The investment is part of £1.5billion announced by the Prime Minister in the summer to level up hospital infrastructure across the NHS.
This includes plans to modernise mental health facilities, expand A&E capacity and improve infection control ahead of winter.
Since August last year, the government has confirmed £850million to upgrade 20 hospitals and £3.7billion to help deliver 40 new hospitals by 2030. Last month’s Spending Review confirmed a dedicated £1.2billion for new NHS hospitals in 2021/22.
Good progress has also been made on the Conservatives’ pledge of 50,000 more nurses by 2025. The latest statistics show there are already 14,800 more nurses in the NHS than a year ago.
Torbay’s MP Kevin Foster said:
“This latest funding for our NHS is great news, especially the money for much needed improvements to operating theatres at Torbay Hospital. A £5.2m funding boost, plus the Covid-19 vaccination programme starting, makes this a great week for Torbay’s health services.”
ENDS
