4,000-Bed Hospital To Open In London As Military Steps In

A massive temporary hospital holding 4,000 beds was being prepared last night at London’s ExCel exhibition centre – and could be ready “within days”.

- Michael Knowles

Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed last night that the NHS Nightingale Hospital would open with two wards each accommodating 2,000 beds.

The four-acre exhibition hall is due to open next week with an initial capacity of 500 beds.

Mr Hancock said: “With the help of the military and NHS clinicians we will make sure we have the capacity we need so everyone can get the support they need.”

New field hospitals are also being planned for all UK regions amid fears critical-care units will be overwhelmed by patients.

Around 2,000 military personnel in the Covid Support Force are on 24-hours notice to help communities plagued by the disease, sources revealed yesterday.