Blackpool Victoria Hospital receives a £2.8m Government boost

Welcoming the new funding, director of operations at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Berenice Groves, said the cash would support work being done to create an “emergency village” and new critical care programme to develop a world class service for patients across the Fylde coast.

“This money will support us in bringing forward elements of the Emergency Village development, allowing us to create more space and a new clinical area to improve patient experience,” she added.

Work can now begin on creating a minor injury unit which will free up more cubical space in the main emergency department.

This will involve some restructuring and building work in the hospital’s A&E department and Urgent Care Unit. It is hoped this project will be completed by Christmas.

Work on the planned £13m Emergency Village was earmarked to start in 2023, but this funding will allow the trust to bring the start date forward in time for this winter, when demand increases each year.

“For us to offer first-class health services, it is vital patients help us by accessing health care in the most appropriate way,” Ms Groves added.

Kevin McGee, chief executive of the trust said: “If you do have to go to hospital, please be assured that it is as safe as possible - NHS staff are following strict social distancing and hygiene measures to allow people to access care safely.”

The cash allocated to Blackpool Teaching Hospitals is part of a share of £300 million allocated across the country to upgrade facilities ahead of winter.