HOSPITALS in Morecambe Bay are due to receive a share of £12 million to expand the number of critical care, specialist respiratory and enhanced care beds amid growing numbers of admissions.

The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust, which includes Westmorland General Hospital, Furness General Hospital and Royal Lancaster Infirmary, said patient safety remained of the highest importance and this would help support resilience during any increased Covid demands.

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust have worked together to enhance critical care facilities ahead of the winter period to support people across Lancashire and South Cumbria. The trusts will share the money.

Kevin McGee, Chief Executive of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, speaking on behalf of hospitals in Lancashire and South Cumbria, said: “Throughout the pandemic, the NHS has been here for you and emergency departments have remained open. If you do have to go to hospital, please be assured that it is as safe as possible. NHS staff are following strict social distancing and hygiene measures to allow people to access care safely. Please do not hesitate to access emergency treatment if you need it.

“We have put measures in place across NHS services to best protect patients and staff, such as temporarily restricting hospital visiting. As we now see rising rates of Covid in the community and with the added pressures of winter, this funding will help us to continue to deliver safe and high quality care in this new normal and meet the needs of people in Lancashire and South Cumbria.”

UHMBT bosses did not respond to a request to break down how much the trust would receive before going to press.

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