Hospitals across Mid and South Essex are receiving a welcome £110 million boost, to increase the number of beds, upgrade emergency departments and improve cancer and planned care.
The long-awaited funding from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has now been confirmed and will support Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, and its hospitals in Southend, Basildon and Broomfield, to help make the hospitals fit for the future.
The Trust will get an initial £40 million between now and March 2025, helping it to carry out critical preparation works and complete some elements of the building works, with the rest of the money set to be delivered in 2025.
This funding follows the earlier announcement of £8million in January this year to allow the Trust to improve and expand its emergency department at Southend, which is set to be complete in winter 2024.
It is expected other improvements will be delivered throughout 2024 and into 2025.
The funding was secured following a campaign spearheaded by Anna Firth, MP for Southend West, and supported by neighbouring MPs across Mid and South Essex and the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board, who campaigned to get this money agreed. They have welcomed the news.
Anna Firth, MP for Southend West, said:
“Since being elected, I have fought tooth and nail to deliver this funding and I am delighted that the £110 million of investment to improve South Essex Hospitals is now finally on its way.
“Delivering this investment, on top of the £8 million I secured last year for Southend Hospital, has been one of my key priorities. Although this money will go towards much needed improvements to all three of our local hospitals, the lion-share of the money will come to Southend. This will deliver a modern endoscopy suite, an upgraded, refurbished main theatre, more hospital beds, as well as an upgraded ED department.
Matthew Hopkins, Chief Executive of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“This funding is great news for our patients and staff. Patients will get better quality care and it helps us meet the ever-increasing demands on hospital services.
“Finally, the hard work can begin to improve the patient experience of everyone who uses our hospitals.”
Anthony McKeever, Chief Executive of the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board, said:
“We welcome this announcement and look forward to working together to optimise the benefits of this funding for our patients, residents and our workforce across mid and south Essex.”
Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, said:
“I am so very pleased that this funding has come through, which will help the Trust to deliver much needed change and expansion. I hope this will mean patients will be able to access care faster and in better surroundings.”
Sir James Duddridge KCMG, MP for Rochford and Southend East, said:
“This is fantastic news not just for residents of Southend, but across mid and south Essex and will support improvements to care and capacity at our local hospitals.”
Rebecca Harris, MP for Castle Point, said:
“This is a really significant investment, which will improve healthcare for my Castle Point residents for years to come.”
