11 December 2020
Shropshire’s acute hospitals have been awarded £5.8 million, a share of £600 million given to NHS Trusts for maintenance backlog. The money is part of £1.5 billion capital funding announced by the Prime Minister in the summer to help the NHS build back better.
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), which runs the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford, will put the money towards maintenance backlog. This includes improving wards, updating nurse call systems, fire safety improvements, upgrading to lighting and heating systems and modernising kitchens.
James Drury, Interim Director of Finance at SaTH, said: “The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust is delighted to have been awarded this funding which will go a long way in helping us to build a better future.
“The funding will bring significant benefits to our patients, including the upgrade of wards, and will also ensure that our colleagues have an improved environment in which to care for our patients.”
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock said: “These crucial maintenance projects will deliver immediate benefits and provide NHS staff with the facilities they need to provide world-class care to their patients this winter, helping ensure the NHS is always there for you when you need it.”
The £600 million has been released to 178 NHS trusts to cover almost 1,800 maintenance projects. Many of the projects are now underway and will be completed by March 2021.