NHS Nightingale Hospitals Gear Up to Tackle Coronavirus Surge
New NHS Nightingale hospitals are set to spring up in Bristol and Harrogate, ready to deliver hundreds of extra beds during the peak of the coronavirus crisis. This announcement from NHS England adds to existing Nightingale sites already planned in London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
Massive Capacity Boost Across UK Regions
NHS chief Sir Simon Stevens confirmed these new facilities in the South West and Yorkshire could provide up to 1,500 beds combined if demand spikes. They join Manchester and Birmingham in the fast-growing network of emergency hospitals outside London.
- The Bristol Nightingale at the University of the West of England could treat up to 1,000 patients.
- Harrogate Convention Centre is prepared to care for up to 500 patients.
- London’s Excel Centre Nightingale, built in under two weeks, officially opens today with up to 4,000 beds ready.
- Birmingham and Manchester hospitals will launch soon, offering up to 3,000 beds between them.
Unprecedented NHS Response to Crisis
With over 33,000 hospital beds freed up nationwide – equal to 50 new hospitals – and 8,000 extra beds secured via an independent hospital deal, the NHS is bracing for impact. These game-changing moves mean local hospitals have reserves, but the Nightingales stand ready if more space is needed.
“It’s nothing short of extraordinary that this new hospital in London has been established from scratch in less than a fortnight,” said Sir Simon Stevens. “The NHS, working with the military, has done in days what usually takes years. Now we’re gearing up to repeat that feat at four more sites.”
Dr Allan McGlellan, medical director of NHS Nightingale, added: “We’re proud and ready to care for those in need. Our hope? That with everyone following lockdown rules, we won’t have to use all these extra beds.”
Health Secretary Urges the Public: Stay Home, Save Lives
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “The nation faces an unprecedented emergency. The NHS and military’s swift Nightingale roll-out is extraordinary. But the real key is public cooperation. Stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives.”
The new Manchester Nightingale will be housed at the Manchester Central Complex. Birmingham’s will operate out of the National Exhibition Centre, serving the West Midlands – the UK’s second hardest-hit coronavirus region. Both sites will start with 500 beds, scaling up to 3,000 if needed.
