The 460-bed hospital, based near Nissan’s Washington plant, will only start taking patients if the region’s hospitals are unable to cope with a potential surge of Covid-19 cases which require hospital treatment.
It has now been transformed into a 20-ward hospital, including eight intensive care wards, and gives the North East the capacity to care for another 460 coronavirus patients if hospitals are filled.
As it officially opens we take a look inside.
1. Opening of the NHS Nightingale Hospital North East on Ward 3
Ward 3 of the new NHS Nightingale Hospital North East. The facility will only start taking patients if the region’s hospitals are unable to cope with a potential surge of Covid-19 cases. Photo: Stu Norton
2. Opening of the NHS Nightingale Hospital North East
The NHS Nightingale Hospital North East is based near Nissan’s Washington plant. Photo: Stu Norton
3. Opening of the NHS Nightingale Hospital North East on Ward 6
The hospital has 460 beds for coronavirus patients. Photo: Stu Norton
4. Opening of the NHS Nightingale Hospital North East
Up to 2,500 staff members could be working at the hospital if it reaches full capacity. Photo: Stu Norton