Over £330 million of extra NHS funding to pay for state of the equipment and buildings has been announced by the Prime Minister and Health Secretary Andrew Lansley.
The money, which will give more than two and half million patients better care and services, will pay for new operating theatres, A&E departments and equipment at hospitals around the country. This includes:
* Over £72 million will be spent on urgent care facilities, including new operating theatres and a new A&E department.
* Patients will benefit from over £30 million for state of the art hospital facilities, including a new Paediatric Unit and a dedicated Women and Children's Unit.
* More than £20 million will be invested in world class equipment such as CT scanners and diagnostic equipment.
* Over £16 million will be invested in improving maternity services and equipment, including a new labour suite, increased maternity services and new ultrasound equipment.
* Over £6 million will be used to improve cancer care and screening, increasing women's access to breast screening equipment.
Commentating, Prime Minister David Cameron, said:
"This Government is investing in the NHS to ensure the very best care is available - that's why I can announce over £330 million of new medical equipment, from CT scanners to cancer therapy and neo-natal care facilities. It will ensure millions of people see better buildings, better equipment, and brand new facilities and services as well as saving thousands of lives."
Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley, added:
"This is another great example of how this Government's drive to be more efficient is benefitting patients. By reinvesting the money we have saved we are able to put over £330 million into projects that will help over two and a half million patients per year.
"Ensuring patients have access to the best quality equipment and services is essential in a modern NHS that strives to put patients first. This investment will mean that old facilities are re-vamped, there is more world class equipment in NHS hospitals and more patients get the scans and treatment that they need."