Lynne Featherstone MP has today welcomed news that two local hospitals will receive a share of £500 million extra funding from the Coalition Government.
The London North Middlesex and Whittington hospitals are set to receive £3.8 million and £2.96 million respectively, to support their A&E services over the coming winter.
The money could go towards employing more consultants in order to increase A&E capacity; improving community and primary care services to prevent A&E admissions; and integrating health and social care teams to prevent re-admittance to A&E.
The extra money, which has been welcomed by NHS England and the Foundation Trust Network, will also be available next year.
Commenting, Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green Lynne Featherstone said:
“Some hospitals are having to cope with more and more people in A&E, and admissions are set to increase further as winter draws closer.
“So I’m very glad to see the Coalition Government is acting now to make sure that the extra funding goes to the hospitals which need it most, and to ensure that patients receive a great, safe service even with the added pressures the cold weather brings.
“I will be contacting the two local Hospitals – the Whittington and North Mid – and finding out what they plan to spend the money on.”
Lynne Featherstone 
This is a welcome injection of funding to improve A&E facilities. After the experience I had in December 2011; the lack of competent doctors on duty on a Saturday night just before Christmas, my treatment was appalling. I went down with pneumonia and was hospitalised for a week a month later, but even then the Whittington Medics did not give me the right diagnosis. I now require major cardiac surgery, but fortunately not at the Whittington!
I have already registered complaints about aspects of my treatment through our MP, but the answers were a bit evasive.
Whilst I support better provision at the Whittington, not cut backs, we clearly need a statement as to how this money will be spent. Just a ‘locum consultant’ is not the answer. What is their strategy?
I will be looking to both local MPs, ie Lynne and Jeremy Corbyn, to work together for both Haringey and Islington residents, and meet the Board quickly to ensure this money is spent to provide extra beds over the winter, with adequate staffing at all levels.
I am vaguely hopeful that the departure of Joe Liddane as Chairman may bode well for the future. I look forward to your further comment on this issue please Lynne.