<p>Decisions on which high risk trusts to concentrate the resources for the upcoming winter were made jointly by NHS England, Monitor and the NHS Trust Development Authority (NTDA), based on accident and emergency (A and E) performance and the specific plans for initiatives to alleviate pressures on local A and E departments presented by each of the 143 urgent care boards. There was no process for trusts to apply for money.</p><p>Decisions were made on the basis of a number of factors including risk to delivery of the A and E standard, challenging local circumstances and the needs of local populations. This gave a picture of those facing the greatest compound risk and identified the trusts thought most likely to benefit most from additional funding.</p><p>The money will be targeted at the local systems that will benefit most from the extra funding. If a trust has not been identified to receive a share of these winter monies it is a sign that they are performing well in delivering their A and E services. Nonetheless we are not complacent. NHS England, Monitor and the NTDA will be working with hospitals across the whole country to ensure that emergency services are ready for winter.</p>