Government pledges extra urgent-care funding as NHS braces for a tough winter

Yvette Cooper warned that the NHS is set for a harsher winter after a scorching summer that pushed A&E visits to 7.3 million, the highest for any summer period. To mitigate pressure, the government will allocate money to 14 schemes across the country, covering new urgent-care centres, expanded ambulance services and upgrades to emergency departments. Almost a third of the budget, £42 million, will be spent on a complete redesign of the A&E department at Queen’s Hospital in Romford, east London.

Health officials highlighted early flu activity and a rise in Covid admissions, urging the public to get vaccinated. Nursing leaders praised the short-term funding but warned it does not solve chronic staffing shortfalls, calling for a larger investment in the nursing workforce before the upcoming Budget.