THE trust that runs south Cumbria's hospitals has been awarded nearly £1 million towards new facilities to increase capacity and tackle waiting lists this winter.

The Government has given 28 hospital trusts across the North West a share of £97 million to expand wards, install modular operating theatres, upgrade outpatient spaces and MRI and screening technology, to help reduce waiting lists.

A total of six bids for money put forward to the Government by bosses at the University Hospitals Trust of Morecambe Bay were successful.

The trust is due to receive £871,000 to fund new facilities, around £1.5 million for new digital technology and £320,000 towards day-to-day spending.

The Government said the investment is part of the £5.4 billion already announced on to support the NHS response to the pandemic in the second half of the year. In total, the government is investing over £34 billion of additional funding in health and social care services this year.

The pandemic put unprecedented pressure on the NHS. To fix this, the NHS needs to be able to offer more appointments, operations, and treatments. New, innovative practices must be adopted so patients continue to receive the best possible care.

The allocations for the £700 million in national funding announced include £330 million for upgrading NHS facilities, £250 million for new technology and £120 million for any supporting revenue costs.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid said: “Ahead of what is going to be a difficult winter, we’re putting everything behind our health and care services, so everyone can access the services they need, when they need them.

“Our £700 million investment will help more people get treated over the coming months by upgrading wards, operating theatres, and diagnostic kit.

“We’re taking unprecedented steps to keep people healthy this winter, putting the booster rollout on steroids, and delivering the largest flu vaccine programme in UK history.

“We can all play our part in the national mission – when you get the call, please get the jab.”

Health leaders are stressing that anyone in need of urgent care should use the free 24/7 NHS 111 online and phone service to get urgent advice, and A&Es are open and ready to help those with emergency and life-threatening conditions.