19 GP practices across the region have received upgrades and reconfigurations to their buildings thanks to money from the Primary Care Utilisation and Modernisation Fund the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB) has confirmed.

The improvements included additional consulting and clinical rooms which are helping practices increase appointment capacity and improve access to care for those who need it.

The programme is in line with the 10 Year Health Plan for England which aims to move services into the local community and away from hospitals.

Surgeries in the area have been lucky enough to receive £1.5 million to fund upgrades with the West Midlands being in receipt of £18 million, delivering a further 2.6 million appointments for patients across the region.

Space for around 9 million extra GP appointments has been made across England as the result of Government investment.

Minister of State for Health, Karin Smyth, said: "NHS patients – and the brilliant staff who care for them – deserve modern buildings, reliable equipment and services fit for the future.

"Too many NHS buildings are crumbling and outdated.

"This government is taking the long-term decisions needed to rebuild the health service.

advertisement

"Our 10 Year Capital Plan backs that ambition with record investment and reforms that will help patients get faster appointments, better facilities, modern technology and more care closer to home for patients across the country."

Over the next nine years, the Government is investing at least £6.75 billion to repair hospitals, replace unsafe buildings and tackle the maintenance backlog in the hope of reducing the disruptions that lead to appointments being cancelled and treatment delayed.

The plan aims to deliver 250 neighbourhood health centres which will bring GPs, diagnostic tests, community and other services under one roof making it easier for people to access care closer to home without having to travel to hospital.

Investment will also be made to improve technology including the NHS app.

Click here for more information.