The government funding package will be spent on buying and modernising buildings, equipment and land

The government has announced a £382m funding package for Primary Care Trusts to improve their building stock.

The extra money will be spent on buying and modernising buildings, equipment and land. The money is split in to three separate pots:

  • £167 million allocated directly to PCTs as operational capital to be used to maintain and modernise their building stocks and replace equipment
  • £156 million for strategic capital for PCTs to use to fund new equipment and buildings
  • £60 million to modernise dental premises and equipment
Andy Burnham
Andy Burnham: “Patients will have better facilities"

PCTs will be able to chose how they spend the extra money which represents a 30% increase on last year.

Minister for delivery and reform, Andy Burnham said: “This funding will mean that patients will have better facilities and access to more sophisticated equipment which will benefit the community for years to come."

“By allowing the local NHS to distribute the money, we are ensuring that the needs of patients are put first. It will also help continue the work of the White Paper to bring care closer to home by building new facilities, in the heart of the community.”