Eastbourne and Hastings hospitals to receive £3.7m for A&E services

Eastbourne and Hastings hospitals will receive an extra £3.7 million in time for winter, it has been announced today (August 11).
Eastbourne DGH staff had a powerful message during the first months of lockdownEastbourne DGH staff had a powerful message during the first months of lockdown
Eastbourne DGH staff had a powerful message during the first months of lockdown

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs Eastbourne DGH and Hastings Conquest, has been allocated the funds from the government to bolster A&E services as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

According to the government, it means the hospitals will be able to increase their A&E capacities, put enhanced infection prevention and control measures in place and make improvements to emergency care and urgent treatment services.

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Nearby Brighton hospital trust has also been allocated £3.7 million.

ESHT staff hold a minute's silence for NHS colleagues who died of covid-19ESHT staff hold a minute's silence for NHS colleagues who died of covid-19
ESHT staff hold a minute's silence for NHS colleagues who died of covid-19

Local Conservative MPs have applauded the news, which comes as part of an extra £300m government funding for the NHS.

Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell said, “This substantial sum to help the trust over the winter is further evidence the government is investing heavily in Eastbourne and Willingdon and that it is taking seriously its commitment to ensure the NHS has all it needs to fight Covid-19, prepare for any second wave of the virus and generally improve our health services.

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“This is good government and should be welcomed across the town. I will continue to work closely with the trust.”

Bexhill and Pevensey MP Huw Merriman said, “Excellent news today – our outstanding local hospitals will receive a further £3.7m to upgrade A&E services in time for this winter.”

Maria Caulfield, Lewes and Polegate MP, said, “Staff at these trusts have worked tirelessly over recent months, and I would like to thank them for everything they have done to get our local community through the coronavirus pandemic.

“While we hope for the best this winter, its right that we plan for the worst. This funding to upgrade A&E across the Trust will ensure that we are in the best possible position for the challenges that the winter months may bring.”

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Mrs Caulfield, who is a nurse, said, “As a Conservative, the NHS is my top priority and I was re-elected last December on a promise to deliver record NHS investment and level up the health service across the country.”

Announcing the new funding, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, “These upgrades will help our fantastic NHS prepare for the winter months, helping them to deliver essential services and reduce the risk of coronavirus infections.”

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