Government to announce emergency £2bn NHS funding injection
The government will announce an emergency injection of cash into the NHS this weekend as Boris Johnson puts the public health service at the centre of his appeal to voters.
Some of the plans are set to be revealed on Sunday as the Prime Minister looks to make an impact in his first 100 days in office.
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The rest of it will be announced on Monday, the Financial Times says.
Chancellor Sajid Javid discussed the proposals with health secretary Matt Hancock on Friday, with costs expected to be between £1bn and £2bn.
The instant investment comes as health leaders have warned hospitals are so short of cash that it is a hazard to patients and staff.
NHS Providers estimated the total of cost for essential maintainance stood at around £6bn, doubling in five years due to austerity cuts.
The government is set to lift rules implemented earlier this year that demanded hospitals cut overall spending plans by a further 20 per cent, releasing up to £500m.
The government is also expected to announce 20 new hospital building projects in a bid to improve facilities across the UK.
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Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, said at least £3bn was required to fix “safety critical” issues alone and that “a number of hospital are really due for upgrade” if they are to meet plans for faster diagnosis.
He also added it was “really important the government understands that the need for investment isn’t just about acute hospitals but also about mental health trusts and community and ambulance services”.