The call came as the Lib Dems released data showing the NHS had experienced record floods and was averaging three fires per day.

Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson Daisy Cooper MP said: ‘In the Budget this week, we Liberal Democrats want to see a new fund to break the cycle of the annual winter crises, meaningful investment to overhaul crumbling NHS infrastructure and outdated equipment and the launch of cross-party talks to finally put social care on a sustainable footing.'

Analysis of NHS data by the Lib Debs shows a record 358 floods in 2023/24. University Hospitals Nottingham and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire recorded the most, with 56 and 51 respectively, followed by Princess Alexandra Hospitals with 36.

In addition, three fires a day were recorded at NHS Trusts last year, equating to a total of 1,102, injuring 21 people. Central and North West London Trust reported 97 fires, the highest in the country, followed by Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust with 93 and Somerset Foundation Trust with 83.

Liberal Democrat health and social care spokesperson, Helen Morgan MP said: ‘It is shocking to think that patients are being treated in hospitals and buildings that are experiencing regular flooding and the potential for fires to break out at any moment.

‘The new Government must now rise to the greatest challenge facing this country, rescuing our NHS. That must start at the Budget with any changes to the fiscal rules used to invest in fixing our crumbling hospitals.'

A Government spokesperson said: ‘This Government inherited a broken NHS, which has been starved of investment and left with crumbling roofs. The upcoming Budget will begin delivering on our promise of change for the NHS.  

‘It will take time, but we are beginning to rebuild the health service to make it fit for the future.'