All NHS Nightingale Hospitals set to close from April
Seven makeshift healthcare facilities were set up in England during the early part of the pandemic in 2020 - designed to offer additional space in the event of the NHS becoming overwhelmed.
All Nightingale Hospitals will close from next month, the NHS has confirmed.
Seven makeshift healthcare facilities were set up in England during the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 – designed to offer additional resources in the event of the NHS becoming overwhelmed.
Temporary hospitals were spread out across the country; built in Manchester, Bristol, Harrogate, Sunderland, Birmingham, Exeter and London.
Facilities were also assembled in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Space for over 11,000 extra beds was created as a result.
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But with coronavirus cases falling across the UK, NHS Nightingale Hospitals are no longer needed – with plans for them to close in mid-Spring.
One of the hospitals – the 500-bed facility in Yorkshire opened by Sir Captain Tom Moore – will shut without having had to treat a single patient.
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The network of extra health facilities has been described by the NHS as the “ultimate insurance policy“.
In February, Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese confirmed that NHS Nightingale Hospital North West – the 750-bed facility built at Manchester Central Convention Complex – would close by the end of March.
Since being assembled last year, the temporary hospital was primarily used as a rehabilitation centre for patients recovering from COVID-19.
Many children returned to school on Monday (March 8), and people are now permitted to meet one other person outside for recreational purposes, not just exercise.
Care home residents can also welcome a regular visitor from this week.
The seven-day moving average for COVID-19 cases in the UK has plummeted to lower than 6,000 – the lowest levels seen since late September.
More than 21 million people in the UK have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine.
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Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.