Hospital trust in Brent to be given an extra £6.4m to cope with winter demand

North West London NHS Trust is to be given an extra £6.4million to improve care for vulnerable older people and alleviate pressure on A&E, is has been announced today.

Jeremy Hunt, Health Secretary, said hospital chiefs will be given the funding to cope with the increase in demand as the cold weather approaches.

The trust manages Central Middlesex, Northwick Park and St Mark’s Hospitals.

Under the controversial Shaping a Healthier Future (SAHF), Central Middlesex Hospital in Acton Lane, Park Royal, will lose its A&E unit and become an urgent care centre.

Announcing the funding, which is part of a £250m pot allocated to 53 NHS Trusts this winter, Mr Hunt said: “This winter is going to be tough– that’s why the Government is acting now to make sure patients receive a great, safe service, even with the added pressures the cold weather brings.

“But this is a serious, long-term problem, which needs fundamental changes to equip our A&Es for the future.

“In the long term, I want a 24/7 service which recognises patients as individuals and looks out for them proactively.

“Starting with our most vulnerable, this Government is going to support the NHS in doing exactly that.”