The government is investing £200 million of new funding to boost NHS resilience over the coming winter.
The funding comes after the prime minister and health secretary met with clinical leaders and NHS chiefs yesterday to discuss how to ease pressures in urgent and emergency care while protecting waiting list targets this winter.
Prime minister Rishi Sunak, said: "Patients can be reassured that I will always back the NHS, so that those who most need help and support will get the care they need.
"Winter is the most challenging time for the health service, which is why we’ve been planning for it all year - with huge government investment to fund new ambulances, beds and virtual wards.
"This extra £200 million will bolster the health service during its busiest period, while protecting elective care so we can keep cutting waiting lists."
Health and social care secretary, Steve Barclay, said: "I know winter brings immense challenges for the NHS which is why we are working with health leaders to make sure we are prepared earlier.
"We are working closely with trusts to see how we can continue to use technology and new ways of working to strengthen health and social services, alongside the thousands of new hospital beds and hundreds of new ambulances we are already providing.
"Yesterday I heard and witnessed first-hand how all parts of the NHS are coming together to make sure it is resilient to winter pressures for years to come."
Chief executive of NHS England, Amanda Pritchard, added: "NHS staff are already working incredibly hard to prepare for this year with robust plans underway to boost capacity, including through having more ambulances on the road, more beds, and increasing the use of virtual wards. Today’s clear support and confirmation of funding from the government is welcome.
"Since the publication of our Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery Plan at the start of the year and thanks to the efforts of staff, waiting times for ambulances and A&E services have improved for patients and as ever, the public can also play their part – get your winter vaccines when invited and use services in the usual way – 999 in an emergency and 111 online for other health conditions."
