EALING Hospital has received a cash injection of £642,000 in the latest wave of winter funding.

The money will be used to re-locate and increase capacity in the discharge lounge and Older People's Liaison Service, an outpatient service reviewing those who need quick assessment and ongoing care.

Lee Martin, Chief Operating Officer at London North West Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “With the busy winter months approaching, we are doing all we can to ensure patients are cared for safely and in a timely manner.”

The discharge lounge and liaison service are currently based on level nine. The additional funds will enable both units to be relocated closer to A&E and the Urgent Care Centre on level one.

The re-configured space will have direct transport access for ambulances, to improve the pick-up and drop-off of patients.

Mr Martin added: “We will be able to assist patients to get home quicker when they are fit for discharge. This frees up vital beds for our sickest patients, ensuring they get treated as quickly as possible.”

The trust will also increase the number of single rooms on two wards.

The additional money brings the total given to hospitals since April to more than £90m, part of the dedicated funding announced in the Budget.

It also supports NHS England’s wider plans to improve A&E performance in England by 2018.

Minister of State for Health Philip Dunne said: “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of staff, the NHS has put in place strong plans ahead of winter, ensuring patients continue to receive safe and efficient care as demand rises over the coming months.

“This funding will give more hospitals the boost they need to streamline patient flow in A&E effectively, freeing up A&Es over the winter to care for the sickest patients and helping make sure all patients get the right treatment in the right place as quickly as possible.”