Government commits nearly £140m to expand urgent NHS care before winter

Published: 19 October 2026, 09:26 · Author: mcc.spm.media2@gmail.com

A clinician speaks with a patient at an urgent care centre in England

The government says almost £140 million will fund 14 urgent-care schemes across England as the NHS prepares for winter. Projects include urgent treatment centres, same-day emergency care, ambulance fleets and emergency department upgrades. A further 25 new or expanded sites announced earlier this year are also due to open in time for winter.

The announcement follows a summer of record NHS activity and comes ahead of seasonal pressures from illnesses such as flu and norovirus. The funding is for service capacity and facilities; it does not mean every area will receive a new centre. The Department of Health and Social Care says more than 7.4 million flu vaccinations had been delivered in England by 11 October.