Burnham admits NHS faces difficult winter as he unveils £40m to help keep patients out of hospital

Andy Burnham has warned this winter won't be easy for the NHS as he announced a £40 million plan to try to keep patients out of hospital to take the pressure off overworked Accident & Emergency departments.

The money will help doctors give extra care to those at risk of becoming seriously unwell during the colder months, such as those with conditions like heart disease and frailty. Groups of GP practices will get £126 for each patients supported.

The prime minister said: "If we want to take the pressure off our hospitals this winter, we've got to keep people well at home. So we're backing GPs to reach the most vulnerable people early, before a small problem turns into a trip to A&E."

He added: "I'm not going to pretend this winter will be easy. But with new technology, upgrades for hospitals and more care available closer to home, we'll make sure the NHS is there for everyone when they need it."

The health secretary Yvette Cooper warned the NHS had already faced a "heavy summer" as a result of a series of heatwaves.

The warning comes amid continuing concerns about overcrowding in hosp...