The UK government is committing almost £140 million to expand urgent and emergency healthcare services across England, aiming to reduce pressure on hospital accident and emergency
departments as the NHS prepares for a demanding winter.
The funding will support 14 urgent care projects, including new urgent treatment centres, same-day emergency care facilities, additional ambulance fleets and improvements to emergency departments. A further 25 new or expanded urgent care sites are also expected to become operational in time for the winter season.
The announcement comes after an exceptionally busy summer for the NHS, marked by record levels of activity and periods of extreme heat. Health officials are now preparing for another increase in demand as colder weather brings a greater risk of seasonal illnesses, including influenza and norovirus.
Expanded services to ease pressure on hospitals
The new investment is intended to strengthen frontline services, improve access to treatment and ensure patients receive appropriate care without unnecessarily occupying hospital emergency departments.
Urgent treatment centres and same-day emergency care services are expected to play a central role in the plans by treating patients who require prompt medical attention but do not necessarily need to be admitted to hospital. Upgraded emergency departments and additional ambulance resources will also help services respond to rising demand.
The government said preparations for winter began in July, with the NHS working to increase capacity, improve patient flow and maintain safe standards of care during the busiest period of the year.
Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said the NHS faced a particularly difficult winter following the pressures experienced over the summer. She stressed that early planning and investment in additional urgent care provision were essential to ensuring patients could access treatment when they needed it.
Cooper also praised NHS staff for their efforts during the summer and said further support would be provided to help frontline teams manage the challenges of the coming months.
Nearly £2 billion earmarked for urgent care improvements
The £140 million package forms part of a broader government commitment to modernise urgent healthcare infrastructure. Almost £2 billion is due to be invested in urgent care capital projects through to 2030, with the aim of improving facilities and bringing services closer to local communities.
This funding is separate from the £1.5 billion allocated so far to tackle urgent maintenance problems across the NHS estate, including issues affecting the condition and reliability of healthcare buildings.
NHS England Executive Director for Performance and Delivery Dr Emma Rowland said the health service was taking steps to protect patients and staff while reducing the burden on emergency departments.
She highlighted the importance of expanding same-day emergency care and urgent treatment centres, arguing that these services could help patients receive the right treatment in the most appropriate setting.
Rowland also urged people eligible for winter vaccinations to come forward, describing prevention as an important part of the NHS's strategy for managing seasonal demand.
Flu vaccinations urged as winter approaches
Alongside increasing treatment capacity, the government is encouraging the public to take preventive measures to reduce the spread and severity of seasonal infections.
More community pharmacies are offering flu vaccinations this year, while eligibility has been extended to additional vulnerable groups, including people experiencing homelessness. Digital tools are also being introduced to make vaccination booking easier for parents, schools and immunisation teams.
According to the latest figures cited in the announcement, more than 7.4 million flu vaccinations had been administered in England by 11 October. The government also reported that more children had received vaccinations by that point than during the equivalent period last year.
Eligible people are being encouraged to book their flu jabs and other recommended winter vaccinations. Health officials say immunisation can help prevent serious illness, protect vulnerable members of the community and reduce avoidable demand on medical services.
The government has also expanded the Pharmacy First scheme, enabling patients to receive help with a broader range of common conditions through local pharmacies. Additional GP appointments during evenings, weekends and out-of-hours periods are intended to improve access to primary care during the colder months.
Focus on faster treatment and care closer to home
Sir Ciarán Devane, chief executive of the NHS Alliance, welcomed the investment, saying stronger urgent and emergency care services would help frontline teams maintain timely, high-quality treatment as winter pressures build.
He said NHS leaders would need to prioritise reducing congestion in hospitals, improving the movement of patients through the healthcare system and enabling more people to receive treatment in community settings or return home sooner when medically appropriate.
The effectiveness of the winter preparations will depend not only on the additional facilities and equipment but also on staffing levels, ambulance availability, hospital capacity and coordination between emergency departments, GPs, pharmacies and community services.
With seasonal infections expected to add to existing demand, the government is seeking to strengthen the NHS's ability to respond before pressure reaches its peak. The additional urgent care sites, infrastructure upgrades and vaccination campaign are intended to reduce avoidable hospital visits and help ensure emergency services remain available for patients who need them most.
