DUDLEY'S hospital trust is to receive £3m funding for a new emergency department facility.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged the cash to help the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust to build a new two-storey build linked to the emergency department to provide combined assessment facilities and same day emergency assessment and care.

The cash will upgrade the existing A&E facilities and help to boost capacity for the winter months

Chief executive for The Dudley Group Diane Wake said today: “I am delighted by the Prime Minister’s announcement

"This £3m contribution towards our new modular build is fabulous news for our patients.

“The assessments facilities in the hospital will relocate there freeing up more than 60 beds to help with winter pressure, the safe management of Covid-19 and the requirements for social distancing and segregation.

“This new facility should be operational by the end of December 2020.”

Chief operating officer Karen Kelly added: “This investment is tremendous news and comes on the back of £20.3m investment in redesigning our emergency department to provide more resuscitation cubicles.

“This new development will allow us to radically redesign the area, make better use of space and improve the way patients flow through the department, ultimately improving their care and experience.

“Following submission of the full business case, we hope this work will start in spring 2021.”

Marco Longhi, MP for Dudley North, welcomed today's announcement and said: “The extra £3m means the trust will be able to increase its A&E capacity, put enhanced infection prevention and control measures in place and make improvements to emergency care and urgent treatment services.

"This will be specifically targeted to building a modular assessment unit freeing up 60 beds in total for A&E which itself is going to be redeveloped in the New Year following Government investment of over £21m.”

He added: “While we hope for the best this winter, its right that we plan for the worst. This funding to upgrade A&E across the trust will ensure we are in the best possible position for the challenges that the winter months may bring."

Dudley South MP Mike Wood said of the news: “This investment will make a big difference to A&E patients and help Russells Hall to cope with increased demand this coming winter. It really is great news."

The funding announced today is part of a £300million funding package for A&E departments across the country and part of the Prime Minister's New Deal announced in Dudley in June, which allocated £1.5 billion this year for hospital maintenance, hospital building and A&E expansion.

Announcing today's spending pledge, Mr Johnson said: "These upgrades will help our fantastic NHS prepare for the winter months, helping them to deliver essential services and reduce the risk of coronavirus infections.

“Thanks to the hard work and tireless efforts of NHS staff throughout the pandemic, our A&Es have remained open for the public.

“It’s vital those who need emergency treatment this winter access it, and for those who remain concerned about visiting hospitals, let me assure you that the NHS has measures in place to keep people safe.”