Manchester's Nightingale Hospital Ready To Take Coronavirus Patients

The Nightingale hospital in Manchester is ready to take its first patients after being built within 14 days.

NHS Nightingale Hospital North West is equipped to receive up to 750 coronavirus patients from across the region who do not need intensive care but still require treatment.

Construction started on 28 March with the entire main central hall of Manchester Central conference centre, formerly known as the G-MEX.

In total, 10,000 square metres has been designated as bed space.

It will be staffed by consultants, junior doctors, nurses, healthcare support workers, physiotherapists, pharmacists, occupational therapists, social workers, and a huge range of non-clinical support workers and administrators.

Michael McCourt, the Chief Executive of the temporary hospital in Manchester Central Convention Complex, wrote on Twitter he was "proud and thankful" to be able to say that the hospital was taking its first patients on Monday.

"In 14 days huge NHS, Army & NHS partner effort this hospital is open. A lot of attention on us but don’t want to forget we are here to support an already busy NW NHS," Mr McCourt wrote.

A spokesman for NHS England confirmed the hospital is ready to take patients but could not say when the first patients are likely to be admitted.

The facility is one of seven Nightingale hospitals being built around the country.

The first COVID-19 patients were admitted to the Nightingale Hospital in London last Tuesday, while the facility at the NEC convention centre in Birmingham became fully operational on Friday.

Temporary hospitals in Bristol, Harrogate, Wearside and Exeter are also being built.

A temporary mortuary has also been opened in Greater Manchester as part of the contingency planning for the coronavirus outbreak.

The facility, in Trafford Park, will be staffed by specially trained Greater Manchester Police officers and staff.

Cover image: PA.