Coronavirus: 10,000 Extra NHS Beds Could Be Found If Needed

Defence could help generate thousands of extra NHS beds through Nightingale hospitals, the head of the British military says.

The military has been supporting the NHS and Public Health England in the planning and construction of temporary hospitals across the UK, with sites in London and Manchester already receiving patients, while an NHS Nightingale hospital in Birmingham opened last week.

The skills of defence personnel in contract-letting have also been utilised.

The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Nick Carter, said "an extra 10,000 beds could be generated in that way" if needed, and called health workers on the front line "heroic".

"We are for once in our life not on the front line and it is very important that as we provide the support that’s necessary, we recognise that," he said.

Ministers are set to attend a COBR meeting this afternoon where the UK's lockdown measures will be reviewed.

A Number 10 spokesperson confirmed yesterday that evidence drawn from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down will help inform decision making.

Scientists there have been working to establish what proportion of the British population could have the virus.

Today, the Chief of the Defence Staff confirmed defence is becoming increasingly involved in the testing process – including in developing ideas as to how testing might be carried out in future.

Gen Carter revealed staff are looking at the potential of a mobile-library style 'pop-up' facility that could be used in isolated communities and, potentially, care homes.

"The military is involved in trying to construct that and to create prototypes that perhaps could be let out to industry in short order," he said.

The next stage of the Government’s plans in the fight against coronavirus is expected to be set out at a press conference this evening.