The BRI is set to receive an additional £7.7million as part of a £29.7million funding boost for five NHS trusts in the South West, to support A&E capacity ahead of the winter months.

Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have all secured extra funding.

The trusts will use the cash to expand and upgrade A&E facilities, ensuring they have enough space to treat patients, manage patient flow and improve infection control.

The scheme is part of £150million funding project to be shared across 25 accident and emergency facilities within hospitals. The funds are on top of the £300million provided by the government to upgrade A&Es announced last month.

This funding will allow the NHS to continue to use the extra hospital capacity acquired from the independent sector through the coronavirus pandemic and maintain the Nightingale hospitals until the end of March next year.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “We are investing £450million to make sure our A&E departments are ready for winter.

“Hospitals around the country will be able to expand and upgrade to ensure they can continue safely treating patients in the coming months.

“During the peak of the pandemic we saw millions of people using NHS 111 to get the best possible advice on Covid-19 and other urgent NHS services.

“These pilots will build on this and test whether we can deliver quicker access to the right care, provide a better service for the public and ensure our dedicated NHS staff aren’t overwhelmed.

“We all need to play our part by washing our hands regularly, using a face covering and keeping our distance from those not in our household.

“We are determined to protect the NHS as we did during the peak.”

Local MP Luke Hall said: “I am delighted that our local BRI is set to receive this vital funding to support it’s A&E capacity ahead of the winter months.

"It will be used for a purpose built emergency department and for up to three admission wards, refurbishment of current admin space into a surgical same-day emergency care unit.

"The medical assessment area, emergency department and acute medicine point will have front-door remodelling and point of care testing.

"Enhancing NHS services for local people remains a key part of my Positive Plan for Health. "