Valerie welcomes funding for a new Emergency Department at Walsall Manor Hospital

Valerie Vaz MP said:

“I have campaigned for this money and supported the application alongside the management of Walsall Manor Hospital. In September this year, I wrote to the Prime Minister to outline the Manor’s need for this funding as it prepares for the increase in pressures over winter. In October, I met with the then Minister of State for Health in Parliament to discuss the application and lobby for the funding.”

“I am delighted that the application has been successful and that £36 million has been granted for a new Emergency Department. The site, which currently supports 79,000 people, will be expanded to allow capacity for 87,000 patients a year.”

“The Manor has been under long-term pressure. The closure of Staffordshire hospital A&E lead to many more people attending the Manor, causing increased demand.”

“The Emergency Department’s demand is expected to increase following the opening of the Midland Metropolitan Hospital as ambulance activity at the Trust is expected to increase by approximately 9,000 attendances per annum, with an expectation that 30% of these patients will require admission into the Hospital. This funding will help to relieve this pressure.”

“On our health service’s 70^th anniversary, this investment in the Manor will help to improve patient care and staff environment. I look forward to start of the construction work on the new department.”