Exeter's Nightingale hospital to set close
The site in Devon was one of seven initially set up last year to cope with a surge in coronavirus cases
An NHS Nightingale hospital in Devon is set to close following an announcement from the Health Secretary.
The 116 site in Exeter was one of seven initially set up across England last year to help deal with a surge in coronavirus cases as NHS Trusts across the country struggled to cope.
NHS England say they're no longer needed due to an increase in beds elsewhere.
On social media, Matt Hancock described the announcement as an 'important moment in our national recovery'.
“In this pandemic, this nation has had to rise to some very significant challenges and one of those challenges has been making sure there’s the NHS capacity we need. Our NHS Nightingale hospitals are monuments to this nation’s ability to get things done fast when it really matters.
“Built in just a matter of days they gave us the confidence that the NHS would fulfil its timeless promise always to always be there for you, to care for you and your family.
“The Nightingale hospitals played a critical role, and now thanks to the combined effort of the vaccination programme, and everybody’s commitment to stick by the rules, there are fewer than 10,000 people in hospitals across the UK. That’s down from a peak of almost 40,000 only seven weeks ago.
“Because of this progress, today we're able to take an important step. We’re now in a position to stand down our Nightingale hospitals.
“This is an important moment in national recovery, and I want to thank all of those who have bee part of this incredible project. The NHS of course, who’ve led them, also the armed services who played a critical part, the private sector companies who’ve really stepped up to the fore, the landlords, the equipment manufacturers and others coming together as a team difficult circumstances, at an incredibly rapid pace. You showed us what’s best in our NHS, and what’s best in this country.”
Matt Hancock, Health Secretary
A spokesperson for NHS Nightingale Hospital Exeter said:
“The NHS Nightingale Hospital Exeter has proven to be an invaluable resource to support care for the Devon and wider South West community during the pandemic, providing care for people with COVID-19 and access to important diagnostic tests.
“Discussions are now underway to maintain a long term service at the site, continuing the hospital legacy and supporting care in the region.”