THE trust that runs Furness General Hospital is due to receive nearly £2m in funding to improve its accident and emergency facilities.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that NHS trusts across England will receive £300 million to upgrade facilities ahead of the winter amid fears of a second wave of coronavirus.

The Prime Minister said the additional cash would enable hospitals to maintain essential services and reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection during the coming months - with £1.9 million set aside for the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay trust.

Funding could be used by hospitals to increase A&E capacity, with more treatment cubicles and expanded waiting areas to ease overcrowding and improve infection control.

It could also enable hospitals to increase the provision of same-day emergency care and improve patient flows to help them to better respond to winter pressures and the risks of fresh coronavirus outbreaks.

Barrow and Furness MP Simon Fell welcomed the announcement.

He said: “Staff at Furness General have worked tirelessly over recent months, and I would like to thank them for everything they have done to get our local community through the coronavirus pandemic.

“While we hope for the best this winter, it's right that we plan for the worst.

“This funding to upgrade A&Es across the entire trust will ensure that we are in the best possible position for the challenges that the winter months may bring.”

He said the NHS was his ‘top priority’ and was ‘delighted’ to see the Government investing in the service.

Officials said the projects would be completed by the start of 2021 so hospitals would benefit from the upgrades during the peak months of winter.

Announcing the £300m fund, 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 that 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.”