LEIGHTON Hospital will be sharing in £210,000 from a multi-million pound government windfall announced in November.

Mid-Cheshire Hospitals Trust, which covers Leighton Hospital in Crewe and Northwich's Victoria Infirmary, has received the money to help it cope with the added pressures of winter.

The money will fund schemes to help prevent unnecessary admission to hospital, allow patients to go home earlier, keep waiting lists down and provide equipment for emergency medical services.

£25,000 for A&E staffing and equipment

£20,000 to increase weekend theatre operating on broken bones

£93,000 to treat more general surgery, joint replacement or cataract patients

£62,000 for Intensive Care and other medical equipment

£10,000 to fund nursing home placements for patients needing support but fit enough to be discharged

Simon Yates, Mid Cheshire Hospitals Trust Chief Executive said he was delighted with the extra help the funds will provide.

"Relatively small amounts of money can make a big difference in our ability to cope with the pressures of winter," he added.

"During December we have seen, on some days, double the number of emergency patients needing admission to hospital.

"Our staff have worked tremendously hard over recent weeks and are a credit to the hospital. These funds will go a small way towards making these pressures less severe."

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