<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 (NHS TDA). There were no representations made to the Department from North East National Health Service trusts regarding the recent allocation of winter funds.</p><p>Decisions were made on the basis of a number of factors including risk to delivery of the accident and emergency (A&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&E services. Nonetheless we are not complacent. Each of the 143 urgent care boards have presented specific plans for initiatives to alleviate pressures on local A&E departments, and NHS England, Monitor and the NHS TDA will be working with hospitals across the whole country to ensure that emergency services are ready for winter.</p>