A hospital trust hopes it won’t need to use any beds at the Nightingale Hospital North East after being told to prepare for patients.
The temporary Nightingale hospitals in Manchester, Sunderland and Harrogate could be brought back into use to help with the spike in Covid-19 cases.
NHS England’s Professor Stephen Powis told a Downing Street briefing that the hospitals had been asked to “prepare for the next phase” and be ready to admit patients “if necessary”.
Operated by Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals Foundation Trust, the 460-bed hospital at the Sunderland International Innovation Centre has not seen a single patient admitted.
A spokeswoman for the trust said they are concerned about the rising infection rates but hope they “won’t need to use any beds” at the hospital.
She said: “Steve Powis, Medical Director NHS England, outlined the rising infection rates in the North.
“He announced that the Nightingale hospitals in Manchester, Sunderland and Harrogate have been asked to prepare to mobilise over the next few weeks ready to accept patients if necessary.
“He noted that the support they provide and when they might be used will be up to local clinicians depending on the care that is needed.
“In the North East, we are prepared for an increase in Covid-19 cases and are concerned about rising infection rates and the impact this could have on the NHS.
“Currently, the numbers of patients are well below what we experienced at the height of wave one, plus we now have additional treatments to offer patients.
“While we have been asked to prepare for the next phase, we still hope that we won’t have to use any beds at all in the Nightingale in the North East.
“If we do, it will be based on local clinical advice and expertise, in each patient’s best interests.
“Covid-19 remains a serious illness, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to do their bit to protect each other.
“Remembering to follow the rules – washing your hands, wearing a face covering, and making space – continues to be vitally important to save lives.”
The announcement came as the North East was put into Tier Two of the Government’s new coronavirus lockdown system, meaning the region did not face any further restrictions.
