The government is putting almost £140 million into 14 urgent care projects in England, according to the Department of Health and Social Care. The schemes include new urgent treatment centres, same-day emergency care services, extra ambulance fleets and upgrades to emergency departments.

Key points

  • £140m for 14 schemes — new urgent treatment centres, same-day emergency care, ambulance fleets and A&E upgrades.
  • 25 more sites — new or expanded urgent care sites announced in April will be open for winter.
  • Flu jabs urged — over 7.4 million flu vaccinations had been given in England by 11 October.
  • £2bn by 2030 — total planned investment in urgent care capital projects.

The funding follows what ministers describe as the busiest summer in NHS history. Seasonal illnesses such as flu and norovirus are expected to add to pressure in the coming months, and the health service has been preparing since July.

Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said winter would be more challenging this year after such a heavy summer, and that the government had been preparing early. Dr Emma Rowland, NHS Executive Director for Performance and Delivery, said investment in same-day emergency care and urgent treatment centres would help more patients get the right care in the right place.

Ministers also pointed to the expanded Pharmacy First scheme, more GP appointments in evenings and at weekends, and wider availability of flu jabs in community pharmacies, including for people experiencing homelessness.

Editor's comment

What it means in practice

For most people, the change will be felt at the front door of the NHS rather than in a headline: more urgent treatment centres and same-day emergency care mean minor injuries and sudden illnesses may be handled away from main A&E departments. That could shorten waits, but only if people use the right service.

  • Check before you go — a local urgent treatment centre may be quicker than A&E for non-life-threatening problems.
  • Get vaccinated if eligible — flu jabs are available now at more pharmacies, and booking is open.
  • Use Pharmacy First — common conditions can often be dealt with at a local pharmacy without a GP appointment.