By NHS sets up new Nightingale units to tackle new Omicron wave
The NHS are planning to set up new Nightingale units to tackle the rapid rise of Omicron admissions as the rate is seeing no downturn coming into the New Year.
Temporary structures, built on the grounds of eight hospitals, will be capable of housing around 100 patients each.
These units will help flex staff and equipment in case the record number of Covid cases – 183,037 on Wednesday – sees a related rise in hospitalisations.
There are also plans for 4,000 “super surge” beds across the country, which will add more Nightingale units and convert educational facilities and gyms to accommodate temporary patients.
NHS National Medical Director Professor Stephen Powis said: “Given the high level of COVID-19 infections and increasing hospital admissions, the NHS is now on a war footing.
“We do not yet know exactly how many of those who catch the virus will need hospital treatment, but given the number of infections we cannot wait to find out before we act and so work is beginning from today to ensure these facilities are in place.”
Hospitals are already using hotels, hospices and care homes to safely discharge as many medically fit people as possible.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid said: “We’ve backed the NHS at every turn throughout this pandemic to make sure it provides the care and treatment people need.
“I want to thank the tireless efforts of our health workers on the frontline who are delivering for patients every day.
“We hope the Nightingale surge hubs at hospitals will not have to be used but it is absolutely right that we prepare for all scenarios and increase capacity”.
The mass amount of testing for the holidays and rapid rise of cases has seen the UK suffer a testing shortage which is putting an increased strain on the NHS.
London has seen a stark increase in patients being treated with Covid-19, from 1,139 on 11 December 2021, to 1,602 on 21 December 2021.
This increase in London is largely responsible for the national rate rising from 5,726 to 6,245 in the same timeframe.
The eight new Nightingale facilities will be spread around the country in the North West – Royal Preston; North East and Yorkshire – Leeds, St James’ site; Midlands – Solihull Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham and University Hospitals Leicester; East of England – Lister Hospital, Stevenage; London – St George’s; South East – William Harvey Hospital, Ashford; South West – North Bristol
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