The NHS in England will receive a £4 million boost to roll out hundreds of new electric vehicle (EV) charging sockets.

The finding comes from an extension to the Department for Transport’s NHS Chargepoint Accelerator Scheme announced today.

The boost brings total government investment in NHS charging infrastructure to £22 million - following awarding NHS trusts £10 million from the Department for Health and Social Care last month and £8 million awarded from DfT last year.

The funding will be used to support the NHS to modernise some of its 20,000 medical vehicles and help decarbonise 460 million miles of travel each year.

It is hoped the switch will saved millions each year which can be reinvested into frontline care.

EV Minister Keir Mather visited the London Ambulance Service HQ in Waterloo to see how investment from the government supported installation of chargers across the fleet. He said: "Backing the switch to electric for our NHS fleet will save our health sector millions and help to clean up 460 million miles worth of journeys across England – that’s good for taxpayers, patients and our communities.

"With over 116,000 public chargers now on UK roads, our investment is transforming the UK’s public charging network so more drivers can make the switch to electric with confidence."

Minister of State for Health, Karin Smyth, said: "With cleaner vehicles and lower fuel bills for the NHS, everybody wins. Savings made from this investment will be redirected back to where they’re needed – getting patients seen on time again.

"With taxpayers getting more bang for their buck and more money for patient care, there is not just a moral case for this investment, but a pragmatic one, too.

"This funding is clear proof we’re upgrading and modernising the NHS and making it fit for the next century and beyond."