The government has announced £250 million for 900 new beds to boost NHS capacity.

The funding has been awarded to NHS trusts to relieve pressures and help cut waiting lists.

Thirty NHS organisations are to receive funding for urgent and emergency care services to develop or expand urgent treatment centres and same-day emergency care services. It is hoped the majority of schemes will be completed by January to help with winter pressures.

The funding is part of the NHS Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery Plan, which was published in January, and sets out plans to provide over 5,000 additional permanent, fully staffed hospital beds in total.

Health and social care secretary, Steve Barclay, said: "We know that winter is a difficult time so we’re working to get ahead of pressures whilst also creating a sustainable NHS fit for the future. That’s why we’re investing this £250 million to support NHS capacity and deliver 900 new beds, as part of our drive to put in place 5,000 permanent additional beds.

"Creating additional hospital capacity will support staff to provide the best possible care and treat patients more quickly, helping us to improve waiting times and cut waiting lists - one of the government’s top five priorities.

Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive said: "Winter is always a busy time for the NHS and so it is right that we put robust plans in place as early as possible to boost capacity and help frontline staff to prepare for additional pressure.

"Our winter plans, which build on the progress already made on our urgent and emergency care recovery plan, aim to reduce waiting times for patients and to transform services with an expansion of same day care and virtual wards, helping patients to be cared for in their own home where possible."