University transfers seven beds to temporary hospital

A university has loaned a number of beds to the NHS Louisa Jordan to support the emergency hospital during the coronavirus pandemic.

Stirling University has transferred seven beds, which are normally used during student nursing courses, to the facility based at the Scottish Events Campus in Glasgow.

The temporary hospital, which has an initial capacity for 300 patients that can be extended to more than 1000, has been ready to receive patients since Monday.

Meanwhile, almost 400 of the university’s student nurses and nine clinically-trained staff have been preparing to join the NHS on the frontline.

Professor Jayne Donaldson, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport at Stirling, said: “Our healthcare system is under unprecedented pressure – and we are prepared to do whatever we can to support our NHS workers and make a difference to the Covid-19 response.

“It was great to see the NHS Louisa Jordan was completed at the beginning of this week – and I am pleased that we’re able to provide beds to help support this effort. Of course, we hope that measures already in place will mean that this hospital never has to be used.”

She added: “Once again, I would like to thank all of our talented students and staff – and our wider NHS family – for their phenomenal response to this pandemic crisis.”

Jill Young, chief executive of the NHS Louisa Jordan, said: “Our contractors and NHS staff on site have been working around the clock to make sure we are ready to support the NHS in Scotland.

“During this time, the outpouring of support and collaboration we have received from NHS boards and organisations across the country has been absolutely incredible.

“This equipment will play a vital role in helping ensure that every member of staff has all the training and support they need to deliver the highest possible standard of care, if required.”