West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust will receive more than two million to invest in its facilities ahead of the winter.

The government has announced 117 NHS trusts will receive a share of £300 million in funding.

This money is to be used by trusts to upgrade its facilities - with a potential busy winter ahead due to Covid-19.

West Hertfordshire NHS Trust will receive £2.66 million, which will be a welcome boost for the trust, particularly with its ageing estate at Watford General Hospital.

Watford Observer:

Hospitals could use the new funding to expand waiting areas and increase the number of treatment cubicles, helping them boost A&E capacity by providing additional space, reducing overcrowding and improving infection control measures.

They could also increase the provision of same day emergency care and improve patient flow in the hospital to help the NHS respond to winter pressures and the risk from further outbreaks of coronavirus.

Watford Observer:

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "We continue to deliver on our promise to build back better and faster, with £300 million allocated today for NHS trusts to upgrade their facilities and improve A&E capacity.

"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."

Watford Observer:

Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Watford General Hospital last year

Watford MP Dean Russell wrote on Facebook: "Great news that West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust will receive an additional £2.66 million to support our A&E this winter.

"This additional funding will help the NHS to provide appropriate care to all those that need it, whilst operating in the unique and challenging circumstances presented by Covid-19."

Projects will be completed by the start of next year so hospitals benefit from the upgrades during the peak of winter.

West Hertfordshire NHS Trust is also in line to receive as much as £590 million in capital funding from the government to redevelop its facilities.

The trust is currently putting its business case together but was announced as one of six trusts to receive funding as part of Boris Johnson's hospital rebuilding programme.