The Government’s £100 million A&E fund will supply the Epsom and St Helier Hospital University NHS Trust with £750,000.

A statement from St Helier Hospital said: “This will mean our local hospital can get prepared for winter early and be properly equipped to give the best care. That includes patients being assessed by a clinician when they arrive in A&E so they can access the best and most appropriate care for their needs.

“It will also mean that hospitals being able to build GP practices within the A&E where those with less urgent needs can receive treatment, helping to alleviate pressure.

“St Helier is the already the best performing hospital in London for meeting its A&E targets, and we have the hardworking staff at St Helier to thank for that.”

The statement added that the funding will make sure that the “vast majority” of patients are seen within four hours of arriving at the hospital.

A statement from the Department of Health read: “The funding will be used by hospitals to meet the 95% standard of admitting, transferring, or discharging patients within 4 hours by ensuring patients are treated in the most appropriate setting.”

“This investment is one part of the A&E plan being implemented across the NHS this year to get performance to 95% during 2018.”

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “The NHS prepares well in advance for winter each year, but despite the hard work and dedication of staff, demand on services continues to increase as a result of our ageing population.

“This vital investment will help hospitals change the way they assess and see patients so people are given the most appropriate medical care as quickly as possible.”