NHS Nightingale London Celebrates First Covid-19 Discharges
Staff at London’s NHS Nightingale hospital have marked a major milestone by successfully treating and discharging their first Covid-19 patients.
Simon Chung, a father in his 50s who recovered after expert care on a ventilator, has now been moved to Northwick Park hospital in Harrow for ongoing recovery. A second man has also been sent home, showing the Nightingale’s critical care mission is paying off.
Built in Days, Ready to Battle Covid-19
NHS Nightingale London sprang up in under two weeks at the Excel Centre in Docklands. It was created as a back-up facility to boost NHS capacity if the coronavirus patient surge became unmanageable.
Fortunately, London’s existing hospitals have coped well so far. But the Nightingale stands ready as part of a network of seven nationwide ‘surge’ hospitals, designed to handle any fresh waves of the pandemic.
Extra Beds, Expert Staff & Lifeline for NHS
- Over 33,000 hospital beds freed up by NHS trusts – like 50 new hospitals
- Skilled staff working around the clock to deliver world-class care
- Nightingales offer crucial extra capacity if needed
NHS Chief Executive Sir Simon Stevens hailed the first discharges as “great news,” praising the Nightingale’s rapid build and expert workforce. “It will count as a huge success if we never need to use them, but it’s vital this capacity is there,” he said.
Captain Tom to Open New Nightingale in Harrogate
Captain Tom Moore, the 99-year-old war veteran and NHS fundraising hero, will be guest of honour at the launch of the new Nightingale hospital in Harrogate this Tuesday, joining via video link.
Meanwhile, Eamonn Sullivan, Nursing Director at NHS Nightingale London, reminded the public why staying safe is key: “Though these patients are out of danger, their long recovery shows why everyone must follow government advice.”
Professor Charles Knight, Chief Executive of NHS Nightingale London, added: “We’re here to support London Trusts and provide critical care capacity during this outbreak.”
With Nightingale hospitals also operational in Birmingham and Manchester, and more sites planned in Bristol, Exeter, and Sunderland, the NHS’s Covid-19 defence is stronger than ever.
